Deworming

Puppies and kittens are frequently infested with worms. It is therefore important to repeatedly deworm them in the first few months of their lives. A broad-spectrum deworming agent is recommended every two weeks from the age of 6 to 12 weeks, then monthly from 3 to 6 months of age. 

Deworming is then recommended every 3 months from the age of 6 months onwards. However, many puppies and kittens are treated with products that protect against a combination of parasites – such as heartworm, fleas, internal and external parasites and it is often not necessary to add in an additional deworming product.

Dogs and cats that are exposed to livestock and kangaroo faeces require a broad spectrum dewormer (including protection against tapeworm) every 3 months

Those pets in a very secure indoor environment that have no contact with other dogs/cats only require a deworming annually.

Heartworm prevention:

Heartworm is an awful disease that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes deposit larval stages in their host (dog or cat). These larval stages develop into large adult worms in the heart and lungs. These parasites can cause severe heart and lung disease. Although Heartworm parasite infestation is rare in the Perth metropolitan area, infestations do occur and the disease can be lethal.  We recommend heartworm prevention in all dogs despite the fact that the risk of developing the condition is very low for each individual. Protecting as many dogs as possible is a way to exert “herd protection”.  Heartworm disease is very rare in cats and routine heartworm prevention is not required.  However,  products such as Advocate and Revolution are effective against most internal and external parasites. They also prevent heartworm infestation and this is just an added bonus.

Flea control:

Fleas are a common ectoparasite in Perth. A large number of products are available to prevent infestations in cats and dogs. Year round flea prevention is recommended in all pets.