Flea, Tick and Worm Prevention for Dogs
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
One of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership is parasite prevention. Fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms can cause very serious illnesses and, in some cases, even death. Thankfully they are completely preventable!
Our Vet Squad, have put together a guide to help you identify these nasty pests, recognise the symptoms, and see which preventatives are best suited to your dog. In the case of parasites, prevention is always better than the cure!
Contents:
- Ticks on Dogs
- Fleas on Dogs
- Heartworm and Dogs
- Intestinal Worms in Dogs
- Dog Mites
- Comparison Table of Parasite Preventatives for Dogs
Ticks on Dogs
There are three main tick species that affect dogs in Australia: The Brown Tick, Bush Tick and Paralysis Tick. Ticks can occur in many areas of Australia, but are more prevalent along the east coast. Ticks seek out a host and once attached begin to feed on off the animals blood.
Bush Ticks are usually not life threatening but may irritate your dog where they latch on to feed. The Brown Dog Tick, while not harmful itself, can transmit tick-borne diseases such as Ehrlichiosis, a bacterial disease that recently occurred in Australia. Paralysis Ticks however, are the major concern in Australia as they can be deadly.
Source: Virbac Australia
Paralysis Ticks
Paralysis Ticks are of concern year-round but are more prevalent in the warmer months of Spring and Summer. Once attached to a host, the Paralysis Tick secretes a deadly toxin that causes an ascending paralysis in dogs, cats and other animal species.
If a tick is found on your dog, it is important to remove it as soon as possible. A Tick Twister Tool can make removing a tick at home a lot easier but if you are not confident, then leave it to the veterinarian or veterinary nurse to remove.
Identification of the species of tick is important to know if your dog is at risk. Ensure that any ticks removed from your pet are identified by a veterinarian to know if it is a paralysis tick. Even after a paralysis tick has been removed, a dog's symptoms may worsen and develop further because the toxin is still present in their system. Paralysis ticks can be deadly so if your dog is showing signs of tick paralysis then immediate veterinary treatment is required.
Signs of Tick Paralysis:
- Weakness or Loss of Coordination in Back Legs
- Change in sound of Bark or Voice
- Loss of Appetite
- Drooling
- Trouble Breathing
- Coughing
- Vomiting, Retching and Regurgitation
When it comes to ticks, prevention is better than cure. Ensuring your dog is covered with tick prevention year-round is the best way to protect your fur baby from deadly tick paralysis.
Products that Kill or Repel Ticks: Simparica Trio, Bravecto, Simparica, Seresto, Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra and Credelio.
Pet Circle Vets recommend daily tick searches regardless of whether you are using a treatment, particularly if you live in a tick prone environment.
Brown Dog Tick
Ehlichiosis, spread by the Brown Dog Tick, was first detected in the Kimberly Region of Western Australia in 2020 and has since spread to other areas of Australia, with the Northern Territory and Western Australia most heavily affected.
Transmission occurs when an infected tick bites a dog and transmits the Ehrlichia canis bacterium. Symptoms include fever, enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding from the nose, lethargy and inappetence. This disease unfortunately, has a high mortality rate, and is particularly deadly in younger or older dogs that are immunocompromised.
If you are planning to travel or live in high risk area, it is recommended to use a Seresto Collar in conjunction with an oral or topical tick preventative to protect your dog against transmission. For more information read our veterinary written article Ehrlichiosis in Australian Dogs.
Fleas on Dogs
Fleas are small, wingless, bloodsucking insects that live on your dog's body and lay eggs in the surrounding environment. There are four life stages of a flea: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Of all these phases, only the adult phase occurs on the host (your dog!). Eggs are laid in the environment - particularly in soft warm fabric such as carpets, pet beds, and blankets. That is why it is so hard to get rid of fleas: a new wave of juvenile fleas can emerge after you've killed the initial population with a flea treatment.
Despite your best efforts, your dog may become infested with fleas through contact with other animals, or fleas that are roaming around in the environment. It's not always easy to spot fleas in your dog's fur, as they are swift and expert hiders! The best places to spot live fleas are usually over the rump or base of the tail in dogs. You may never actually see live fleas - instead, something to look for is flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea faeces, or digested blood (Yuck!).
Products that kill fleas include: Simparica Trio, Bravecto, Simparica, Seresto, Nexgard, Nexgard Spectra , Comfortis Plus, Advantage and Revolution.
For more info about flea prevention, see our article: How to Treat a Dog with Fleas.
Heartworm in Dogs
Heartworm is a blood parasite transmitted via mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects baby heartworm larvae, known as microfilaria into their blood. These microfilariae make their way to the heart, where they mature and grow into adult heartworm.
This insect-borne method of spreading is the reason why heartworm is more prevalent in tropical and warmer environments: more mosquitoes equals, more heartworm. Unfortunately, this also means that indoor-only animals are still at risk of catching heartworm, as mosquitoes can easily find their way inside. Symptoms can take months to appear and if left untreated, can be life threatening. Even the treatment of heartworm is very difficult and dangerous. Fortunately, heartworm is incredibly easy to prevent.
If your dog's heartworm treatment has lapsed or their preventative history is unclear, then a heartworm snap test with your veterinarian is required prior to starting on any prevention. This test is quick, easy and only requires a drop of dog blood, and your veterinarian is able to determine if your pet has been infected. It can be dangerous to start on heartworm prevention without first getting a negative heartworm test. If your dog has signs of heartworm disease, then an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible is recommended.
Signs of Heartworm Infection:
- Chronic cough
- Exercise intolerance
- Weakness
- Collapse
Products that prevent Heartworm: Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio, Interceptor, Milbemax, Comfortis Plus, Sentinel, Advocate and Revolution.
There is also an annual Proheart Injection available from your local veterinarian.
For more information read our veterinary written article Heartworm Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know.
Shop All Dog Heartworm Preventatives
Intestinal Worms in Dogs
Intestinal worms range from small, microscopic strongyles to foot-long, squirmy tapeworms. Your dog may contract worms by encountering other infected animals, drinking contaminated water or eating food that contains a worm parasite.
Contrary to popular belief, an itchy bottom is not a common sign of worm infestation. Scooting or an itchy bottom is more likely caused by Anal Gland Issues or a skin allergy.
How To Tell If Your Dog Has Worms:
- Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
- Worms visible in stool or around anus
- Weight loss
- Distended (pot-bellied) Tummy
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Anaemia
Dog products that treat intestinal worms include: Milbemax, Drontal, Interceptor, Sentinel, Paragard, Milpro and Cazitel.
*It is important to be aware that some worming products do not kill hydatid tapeworm. Tapeworm is large and more difficult to kill than smaller worm species, requiring a specific medication called Praziquantal. The selected products kill all important worm species, including tapeworm.
Dog Mites
Mites are rare and usually only occur in juvenile or immunocompromised pets (ie, dogs with skin allergies). Mites of concern in Australia include the skin mite Demodex and ear mite Otodectes. Sarcoptes (scabies) is another mite that may be found in some parts of Australia but is comparatively rare.
Demodex causes patchy hair loss, particularly over the forehead or eyelids. It is mostly seen in warmer areas of Australia. Demodex usually only affects puppies and dogs with hormonal conditions (such as hypothyroidism), or skin allergies. It is particularly common in Staffie breeds, due to their predisposition to skin allergies.
Otodectes (Ear Mites) cause intense itchiness in the ears, and may lead to a brown, crusty discharge. It is commonly seen in puppies and kittens.
Products that prevent Mites: Bravecto, Simparica, Advocate, Revolution and Nexgard.
Comparison Table of Parasite Preventatives for Dogs
There is no doubt that with so many preventative products on the market, it can be hard to know exactly what each product protects against and which is the best pick for your dog.
The table below outlines some of the top selling preventative products for dogs, including which parasites each product protects against, how it is given and how long it lasts.
Nexgard Spectra
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Nexgard
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Simparica Trio
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Simparica
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Bravecto
4 months Chewable6 months Topical 3 months Chewable
6 months Topical
- Chewable
- Topical
Credelio Plus
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable Tablet
Credelio
1 month
1 month
Chewable Tablet
Advocate
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Advantage
1 month
Topical
Advantix
1 month
2 weeks
Topical
Neoveon Plus
2 weeks
1 month
Topical
Neovela
1 month
1 month
Topical
Revolution
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Comfortis Plus
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Evicto
1 month
1 month
1 month
Topical
Sentinel Spectrum
1 month
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Interceptor
1 month
1 month
1 month
Chewable
Seresto
4 months
8 months
Collar
Drontal
3 months*
3 months*
- Chewable
- Tablet
- Liquid
Milbemax
1 month
3 months*
3 months*
Tablet
Milpro
1 month
3 months*
3 months*
Topical
If you are still not sure what preventative is best for your dog or you have any pet questions at all, reach out to our Pet Circle Vet Squad, we are here to help! Our Vets are available on chat or you may want to request a customised Vet Pet Plan for your dog. All are completely free! We provide general advice on pet nutrition and healthcare, as well as a range of common issues such as skin allergies, anxiety, weight management and more.
Further Reading
Ehrlichiosis in Australian Dogs
The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.