Parasites can cause serious health issues for your pet and your family.
From fleas and ticks to intestinal worms and heartworm, parasites can cause everything from constant discomfort to serious illness. Some can even be passed on to people, making prevention important for everyone at home.
At MustCare Vets, we know how much your pet means to you – and keeping them healthy, happy, and parasite-free is a big part of that. With the right protection, you can help your pet stay safe from itchy pests and more serious health risks, all year round.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is protected, don’t worry – you’re not alone. We can check their records, talk through any gaps, and, if needed, put together a simple catch-up schedule to get them back on track. There’s no judgement. Just a focus on protecting your pet moving forward and giving you peace of mind.
Why Year-Round Parasite Protection Matters
Keeps your pet comfortable and healthy: Prevents itching, irritation, and skin infections caused by fleas, mites, and other parasites.
Protects against serious illness: Heartworm and paralysis ticks can be fatal if left untreated; consistent prevention can be life-saving.
Reduces risk to your household: Some parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, can spread to humans – especially children and those who are immunocompromised.
Helps protect other pets and animals: Regular parasite prevention reduces the chance of transmission at dog parks, boarding facilities, and even in your own home.
FAQs
Parasite control works by either killing parasites that come into contact with your pet or preventing them from taking hold in the first place. Most products are designed to target specific types of parasites – like fleas, ticks, heartworm, or intestinal worms – and they come in various forms, including spot-on treatments, oral tablets, collars, and injections.
Some treatments work on contact (like flea preventatives that spread through your pet’s skin oils), while others work systemically – entering your pet’s bloodstream and killing parasites when they bite or feed.
No single product protects against every parasite, so your vet will recommend a combination that suits your pet’s lifestyle, age, species, and local risk factors. Regular use, whether monthly, quarterly, or annually, is key to keeping your pet protected year-round.
“Intestinal worms” is a general term for several types of internal parasites that live in your pet’s digestive tract. The most common include:
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
- Tapeworms
Pets can become infected in a variety of ways — from eating infected wildlife or faeces to simply picking up parasite eggs or larvae in the soil. Some worms can even be passed from mother to baby before birth or through milk.
Symptoms can vary, but signs of intestinal worms may include:
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Diarrhoea or vomiting
- Bloating or a pot-bellied appearance
- Pale gums or signs of anaemia
- Weakness or low energy
- Scooting behaviours, or irritation around the rear
The good news is that most intestinal worms are easily treated and prevented. If you’re concerned your pet may have worms, or if it’s time for a routine deworming – book an appointment with your MustCare vet.
Heartworm is a serious and potentially life-threatening parasite spread by mosquitoes. Once infected, the worms grow and live inside the blood vessels and heart, causing significant damage over time, especially in dogs.
Symptoms of heartworm infection may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Fatigue or exercise intolerance
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Laboured breathing
If left untreated, heartworm can lead to heart failure and death. Treatment is possible but complex, risky, and expensive – which is why prevention is absolutely essential.
At MustCare, we recommend annual heartworm injections for dogs as one of the most effective and reliable ways to protect against this disease. For cats, there’s no approved treatment once infected, so monthly parasite prevention is key.
Fleas are tiny, fast-moving insects that feed on your pet’s blood. While they’re small, they can cause a lot of discomfort; leading to intense itching, skin irritation, and in some pets, allergic reactions.
More than just a nuisance, fleas can also transmit other parasites and diseases, such as tapeworms and certain types of bacterial infections. They reproduce quickly, so a few fleas can quickly turn into a full infestation if left untreated.
Fleas are sometimes visible in your pet’s coat or bedding, but signs like frequent scratching, biting, or skin irritation are often the first clue.
Although fleas prefer animals, they can bite humans too – especially in severe infestations. If your pet is scratching more than usual, it’s worth getting them checked. We can recommend safe, effective treatments to get rid of fleas and prevent them from coming back.
Ticks are blood-feeding parasites found throughout Australia, with the paralysis tick being especially common (and dangerous) along the East Coast. These small insects attach to your pet’s skin and release toxins that can lead to serious health issues.
Signs of tick paralysis can include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Wobbly walking or loss of coordination
- Vomiting or gagging
- Coughing
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Full or partial paralysis
If left untreated, tick paralysis can be fatal – especially in dogs and cats who aren’t on preventatives.
If you spot a tick on your pet or notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Early treatment improves outcomes, and with the right preventatives in place, most cases can be avoided altogether.
The good news? Most parasites are easily treated - especially when caught early.
If you’re worried your pet might have picked up an unwanted guest, get in touch with the team at MustCare Vets. We’ll help you get answers quickly and put the right protection in place, so your pet can get back to feeling their best.
