Tutor Tips: Parasite Control for our pets

Parasites are more than just an annoyance — they can make pets seriously unwell and sometimes spread to us humans. Dogs and cats can pick up worms, fleas, ticks, and heartworm from their environment, from other animals, or even from us. The good news? With the right prevention plan, most parasite problems can be avoided.

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What parasites do we need to cover?

INTESTINAL WORMS

The most common intestinal worms in cats and dogs include roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, lungworm, tapeworm, and giardia.

These parasites can cause diarrhoea, poor growth, anaemia, or worse — and some can be passed on to children.

Signs your cat or dog may have worms:

• Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood or mucus)

• Vomiting

• A “pot-bellied” look despite being underweight

• Dull coat and poor growth

• Scooting or licking their bottom more than usual

• Worm segments visible in poo or around the anus (looks like cucumber seeds, yummy)

Even if you don’t see worms, they may still be there — which is why routine prevention is so important.

Why pets get worms

• Puppies & kittens: Pick them up from their mother or contaminated environments. Their underdeveloped immune systems make them especially vulnerable.

• Adult cats & dogs: Can catch worms from everyday activities such as:

  • Eating something off the ground

  • Consuming raw meat or offal

  • Hunting or eating wildlife (e.g. geckos, birds, rodents)

  • Spending time on farms or rural properties where parasite exposure is higher

Because worms are so easy to pick up, prevention isn’t just a puppy issue — it’s lifelong.

Worming schedule:

• Puppies and Kittens: Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old.

• Cats and Dogs, from 6 months: Every 3 months for life (or monthly, depending on the product chosen).

  
  

Tutor Tip: Add reminders to your phone or calendar — it’s easy to miss a dose if you’re not consistent.

HEARTWORM

Heartworm is a serious parasite spread by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your dog, it passes on heartworm larvae, which then develop into long worms that live in the heart and lungs.

Over time, this causes damage to the heart and blood vessels, leading to heart failure — and in many cases, death. Unlike intestinal worms, heartworm infection is usually not obvious until the disease is advanced.

Signs of Heartworm Disease (often only in later stages):

• Persistent coughing

• Lethargy and exercise intolerance

• Weight loss

• Swollen belly (fluid build-up from heart failure)

By the time these signs appear, treatment is risky, costly, and not always effective — which is why prevention is critical.

Where we live, in Melbourne (VIC), the risk of heartworm is lower compared to tropical and subtropical regions like Queensland or northern NSW. But lower risk does not mean no risk. Mosquitoes are still present, and all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworm.

That’s why prevention is still recommended for dogs in Victoria, Especially for something life threatening.

Heartworm Prevention

There are two main options to protect your dog:

1. Monthly preventatives

   • Chews, tablets, or spot-on treatments

   • Must be given on the same date each month. Lapsed doses could mean your dog can catch it, as these are preventatives, not treatments.

   • Some also cover fleas and intestinal worms

2. Yearly injection (ProHeart®)

   • Given by your vet

   • First dose can be given with your puppy’s third vaccination

   • A booster at 6 months old

   • Then once a year, usually alongside annual vaccinations

   • If starting the injection later on, a blood test is required beforehand.

     Heartworm prevention is lifelong — don’t stop when your dog grows out of the “puppy” stage.

Missing even one monthly dose can leave your dog unprotected. If you prefer a “set and forget” approach, the yearly injection is a great option.

Cats in Melbourne don’t require heartworm prevention, but dogs do. *its extremely rare.

FLEAS

The nits of pets!

Fleas are one of the most common parasites in pets — and one of the most frustrating for owners. They don’t just live on your cat or dog, but also in bedding, carpet, grass, and shady outdoor areas. Once they’re inside your home, fleas are very hard to get rid of because of their life cycle (eggs → larvae → pupae → adults).

Why Fleas Are a Problem

• Itchiness and irritation: Constant scratching, biting, or licking at the skin.

• Skin allergies: Some pets develop flea allergy dermatitis, a painful and itchy reaction to flea saliva.

• Hair loss and sores: Particularly around the tail base, belly, and thighs.

• Tapeworms: Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, which are passed on when pets groom and swallow a flea.

  
  

Signs of Fleas

• Scratching or biting at the skin

• Tiny black specks (“flea dirt”) that turn red when wet

• Hair loss, scabs, or irritated skin

• Restlessness or irritability

Even if you don’t see fleas, they may still be there — fleas are fast-moving and often hide deep in the coat.

Flea Prevention

Prevention is always easier than treatment. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, which quickly spread through your home.

Treatment options:

• Monthly preventatives (chews, tablets, or spot-ons)

• Long-acting products (some last 3 or even 6 or 12 months)

Many modern products combine flea protection with coverage for ticks, intestinal worms, or heartworm.

🐱Myth vs Fact: Fleas🐶

Myth: “My pet lives indoors, so they can’t get fleas.” Fact: Fleas can hitchhike indoors on humans, clothing, or other animals. Indoor pets are still at risk.

Myth: “If I can’t see fleas, they aren’t there.” Fact: Most fleas hide deep in the coat or in the environment. Flea dirt is often easier to spot than the fleas themselves.

Myth: “Fleas only live on animals.” Fact: About 90% of the flea population lives in the environment (eggs, larvae, pupae), not on your pet.

Myth: “I’ll just treat fleas if I see them.” Fact: By the time you notice fleas, there may already be thousands of eggs and larvae in your home. Prevention stops infestations before they start.

Tutor Tips

• Treat all pets in the household — otherwise fleas will simply jump between them.

• Wash pet bedding regularly and vacuum carpets to reduce flea numbers.

• Stick to your prevention schedule year-round — fleas don’t disappear in winter; they just slow down and rebound in warmer months.

TICKS

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to your pet’s skin and feed for days. While not a major problem in suburban Melbourne, they can still be picked up if YOU or your cat or dog travels to rural or coastal areas. Some tick species, especially the paralysis tick, can be deadly within just a few days.

Why Ticks Are a Concern

• Paralysis ticks: Inject a toxin that causes weakness, wobbliness, difficulty breathing, and can lead to death if untreated.

• Brown dog ticks: Can spread blood-borne diseases like ehrlichiosis (which is present in northern parts of Australia).

• Irritation and infection: Even less dangerous ticks can leave painful, infected bite wounds.
  

Signs of Tick Paralysis

• Wobbliness or uncoordinated movement

• Weakness, especially in the back legs

• Change in bark/meow (hoarse, weak, or different sound)

• Trouble swallowing or breathing

• Collapse

If you ever notice these signs after travelling to a tick-prone area, it’s an emergency — seek a vet immediately.

Tick Prevention

• Preventatives: Many flea products also protect against ticks. Some are monthly, others last 3–6 months.

• Tick checks: Run your hands through your pet’s coat daily when in risk areas, especially around the head, neck, armpits, ears, and between the toes.

Travel tip: If you’re heading up the east coast, Geelong or into rural/bush areas, make sure prevention is up to date before you go.

🐶 Myth vs Fact: Ticks🐱

Myth: “I'm leaving my pet at home. So I don't need to treat.” Fact: While rare locally, ticks are common in many parts of Australia. If you travel, your pet is at risk, as the Ticks could come home with you.

Myth: “I’d notice a tick if my pet had one.” Fact: Ticks often hide in dense fur, between toes, or under collars. They can be easily missed.

Myth: “If I pull the tick off, my pet will be fine.” Fact: The toxin may still circulate after removal. Always watch closely and seek vet care if symptoms appear.

Myth: “Indoor cats don’t need tick protection.” Fact: If they go outdoors even occasionally — or travel — they’re still at risk.

Tutor Tips

• Prevention is easiest — don’t wait until you see a tick.

• Do daily tick checks when travelling to high-risk areas.

• If you find a tick and your pet seems unwell, go to a vet immediately — tick paralysis can worsen quickly.

MITES

Mites are tiny parasites that live on or in your pet’s skin and ears. They’re invisible to the naked eye, but they can cause big problems — from intense itching to infections. Cats and dogs can pick up mites from the environment, other animals, or even from their mother when they’re young.

Common Types of Mites

• Ear mites (Otodectes): Very common in kittens and stray cats. They cause itchy, irritated ears with dark, crumbly discharge (looks like coffee grounds).

• Sarcoptic mange (scabies): Highly contagious to other pets and people. Causes intense itching, hair loss, and crusty skin.

• Demodex (demodectic mange): Normally lives harmlessly on dogs, but can overgrow in puppies or immune-compromised pets. Causes patchy hair loss and red, scaly skin.

• Cheyletiella (“walking dandruff”): Causes dry, flaky skin along the back, especially in puppies, kittens, or rabbits.

Signs of Mites

• Constant scratching, biting, or shaking the head

• Hair loss in patches

• Red, scabby, or flaky skin

• Dark discharge or strong smell from the ears

• Restlessness, especially at night

Why Mites Matter

• Some types, like sarcoptic mange, are zoonotic — meaning humans can catch them.

• Ear mite infestations are very uncomfortable and can lead to secondary infections.

• Left untreated, mange can spread quickly and cause severe skin disease.

Mite Prevention & Treatment

Unlike fleas and ticks, there aren’t always long-term “preventative” products specifically for mites. Instead:

• Many flea/tick spot-ons and chews (e.g. Bravecto, NexGard, Revolution/Stronghold, Advocate) also cover mites.

• Regular vet checks are important if your pet has ongoing skin or ear issues.

• Treatment often involves medicated drops, tablets, or spot-ons — and sometimes antibiotics for secondary infections.

Tutor Tips

• If your pet has persistent itching, ear discharge, or patchy hair loss, see your vet — don’t assume it’s “just fleas.”

• Treat all pets in the household if contagious mites are diagnosed.

• Keep bedding, collars, and grooming tools clean to reduce reinfestation.

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Choosing the Right Parasite Prevention With so many products on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose what’s best for your cat or dog.

• No single product covers everything. You’ll often need a combination to get full coverage against worms, fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Age and weight also matter, as some products aren’t safe for very young or small puppies.

• Some products treat existing infestations only (like worming tablets), while others give ongoing protection (like flea and tick preventatives).

• The best plan for your pet depends on their age, weight, lifestyle, and risk factors.

• Lifestyle matters: Raw-fed pets, hunters, or pets that travel to farms/bushland need regular cover.

• Don’t mix at random: Some products overlap; others leave gaps. Always check labels or ask me!

• Treat every pet in the household: Fleas, mites, and worms don’t discriminate.

• Indoor Pets still need coverage.

Prevention protects not only your pet, but also your family.

Here are some full coverage combination options for dogs 6months and older:

• NexGard Spectra chew once a month + a tapeworm tablet every 3 months *best option for if intestinal worms are a main concern.

• Bravecto chew every 3 months + Drontal tablet/chew every 3 months + Yearly heartworm injection

• Bravecto spot-on every 6 months + Drontal tablet/chew every 3 months + Yearly heartworm injection

• Bravecto injection once a year + Drontal tablet/chew every 3 months + Yearly heartworm injection

  
  

Cats need different products to dogs — never share between species. Some commonly used options include:

• Bravecto spot-on for cats every 3 months + Milbemax tablet or profender spot-on every 3 months

• Felpreva spot-on every 3 months

There are SO MANY other combinations, I find these the easiest to remember and source, with recent science backing the products. ASK ME, If you want a personal recommendation for your pet and situation.

Jade