FLEA AND WORM TREATMENTS FOR DOGS

Household pets offer years of companionship, love and affection. Give them back the love by making sure your furry friends are protected against harmful parasites and irritating fleas all year round.

So what are fleas anyway?

Fleas are microscopic, wingless parasites that survive by feeding on the blood of cats, dogs, horses and even humans. They are extremely good at surviving harsh Australian summers and the coldest of winters.

So how can I tell my pet has fleas?

Due to their microscopic size, it's almost impossible to spot a single flea on your pet's skin, unless you know where to look. If you happen to spot your pet consistently "scratching an itch" it's time to check them over for unwanted parasites. To check dog's for fleas, use a small toothed comb and slowly brush along the area. You will see a small brown spot moving across the animal's skin if fleas are present. Make sure to keep an eye out for "Flea Dirt". The faecal matter left behind in your pet's fur will turn red if touched by water since it is mainly ingested blood.

What is the worst time of year for fleas?

Fleas LOVE warm temperatures! So the regular Australian summer is prime flea breeding season. They are capable of jumping nearly a foot from the ground and getting onto your pet's fur from anywhere outside. Female fleas lay an average of 50 eggs per day... PER DAY! What's worse is that a single flea can survive on one meal for months. So it's important to stay on top of your pet care during these warmer months.


So what can you do to prevent Fleas and other unwanted parasites?

The best and most effective solution: Oral Flea Chewable Tablets

Oral treatments are usually preferred by vet's and dog owners as these will help protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworms, hookworm and whipworms. It should be noted that not all treatments can protect against all known parasites. It's best to look at the back of each packet and select the one more suited for your situation and pets size.

There are a few side effects that can occur with these products so it's best to be aware of them before you purchase. These tablets may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of energy, decreased appetite and itching. It's very important to speak with your vet before using any kind of tablet or medication on your animal.

Finally, if your dog has fleas already, then it would stand to reason that the house might be infected with them as well. It's always a good idea to use an insect control bomb in the main areas where the animal sleeps and any living room or study spaces as fleas can live for up to a whole month without a food source. It's important to make sure the house is free from infestation or else your animal will just get fleas again and the cycle will continue.

Wallington's WRG has a wide range of flea and parasite options. Here are just a select few of our favourites chewable tablet options. For topical options, click the article link here


Nexgard Spectra

Available in 3 and 6 Packs

Available Sizes - 2.9 to 3.5kg, 3.6 to 7.5kg, 7.6 to 15kg, 15.1 to 30kg and 30.1 to 60kg

Nexgard Spectra is the most complete parasite protection all-in-one chew for dogs. Nexgard Spectra protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm and flea tapeworm. It is not as effective in curing other tapeworms, however. It's best to use Nexgard Paragard if tapeworms are present.


Nexgard Original

Available in 3 and 6 Packs

Available Sizes - 2 to 4kg, 4.1 to 10kg, 10.1 to 25kg and 25.1 to 50kg

Nexgard is the next best thing for flea and tick treatment. This chew works against fleas, ticks, mites and flea tapeworm. NexGard can be used in all dogs from 8 weeks of age and greater than 2kg and is available in both 3 and 6-month packs.

With 4 convenient weight ranges, there is also a NexGard parasite solution for small, medium, large and even very large dogs.

Bravecto

Available in 1 Chew Pack

Available Sizes - 2 to 4.5kg, 4.5 to 10kg, 10 to 20kg, 20 to 40kg and 40 to 56kg

One simple, tasty chew just four times per year will keep your dog protected against fleas and deadly paralysis ticks through every season. A single Bravecto chew also provides 8 weeks of protection against brown dog ticks, and effectively treats infections caused by mites.

Bravecto chew for dogs works rapidly from the time of consumption to effectively control fleas within 8 hours and paralysis ticks within 24 hours, so your dog can be free to explore and enjoy life.