We love our pets, but we don’t love when they come with hitchhikers! Due to our temperate (although it doesn’t feel like it sometimes) climate, ectoparasites like fleas and ticks are a year round concern! As the recent weather has been allowing for exploration of the great outdoors, we have seen a huge spike in the number of pets coming in with ectoparasites. These wee bugs are gross on their own causing itching, discomfort, and skin irritation, but did you know that they can cause additional disease?
Fleas can transmit bacteria in their saliva that cause a host of diseases, such as Cat Scratch Fever, Typhus, and even the Plague! They don’t just cause problems via bites as well. If your pets ingest a flea while grooming themselves, they can end up with a bonus parasite: tapeworms!Fleas are opportunistic as well, and are just as happy to bite you as they are your pets.
We have several species of tick here in Scotland, and depending on where they are in their life cycle they can be very difficult to spot, with some as small as poppyseeds. Tick bites are responsible for a whole host of transmissible diseases in both animals and humans, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Erlichiosis, and more! What’s worse, these diseases can be passed from your pet to you!
Parasites aren’t just found on the outside of your pets body however! Roundworms, Tapeworms, Whipworms, and Lungworms can all be contracted by pets from different infectious sources. Depending on your pet’s level of risk, our veterinary team can tailor a deworming regiment to suit your pet and keep them worm-free.
At Queen’s Crescent Veterinary Clinic we stock the latest and most effective products. Both of our Wellness Plans include personalized parasite prevention tailored to your pets individual needs.
Going on Pawliday? What to consider for your four legged friends.
Summer is just around the corner and so too are summer holidays! Here’s our top tips for planning your travel with pets in mind.
Is Fido going to Fid-go? There’s a lot to consider if you are planning on bringing your pets with you on vacation. When packing for your pets make sure that you have enough food, medication, and any other necessities in advance. Make sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and parasite prevention as well. It doesn’t hurt to bring a copy of their medical history in case they need to be seen by a local vet. If your pet is an anxious traveler or gets carsick our vets may be able to prescribe medications to help! Feel free to inquire during your next visit or schedule an appointment via our petsapp or phone!
If you are planning to take your pets abroad, make sure to do your homework and do it well in advance! Every country is a little different in what vaccinations, parasite treatments, and associated documentation they require and if you mess up the timing, it can seriously mess up your travel. Here at Queen’s Crescent Vet Clinic, we have not one but TWO veterinarians who are government qualified to issue travel certificates. Space is limited, so if you plan to travel abroad with your pet the sooner you let us know the better.
If your pets are planning to sit and stay, there is still preparation to do! If they are going to a kennel or cattery check with the facility what their policies are! Many require they are up to date with vaccinations and parasite control. If your pets are home with a sitter, it’s a good idea to leave them with instructions for what to do if the pet gets sick.
