Guide to flea and worm treatments for pets

What are fleas and worms in pets?

Fleas and worms are common parasites that can affect pets and cause them a variety of health issues.

• Fleas are tiny wingless insects that feed on your pet’s blood. They can spread quickly, causing intense itching, skin irritation and hair loss. They can also transmit tapeworms to pets.

• Worms live inside the bodies of animals. There are different types of worms that affect pets, including tapeworms, roundworms and lungworms, which are becoming more common in the UK. Worms can cause a variety of health issues in pets, including increased appetite, diarrhoea and weight loss.

If left untreated, they can lead to more serious problems, particularly for young animals whose growth could be affected.

How do pets catch fleas and worms?

Pets can easily pick up fleas – either in the garden or when they’re out on a walk. Before you know it, you could have a flea infestation in your home.

Dogs and cats can catch worms by eating eggs found in contaminated soil or grass. They could also catch them by eating infected prey or raw meat. Roundworm is common in kittens, as it can be passed on through their mother’s milk.

Once your puppy or kitten is old enough to go outside, they’re at risk of getting fleas and worms.

How do I know if my dog or cat has fleas?

Signs to look out for include:

• Constant scratching and chewing

• Sores, scabs or patches of hair loss

• Tiny black droppings in your pet’s fur

• Flea dirt on pet bedding, carpets or rugs

• Flea bites on you or other household members.

How do I know if my dog or cat has worms?

Signs to look out for include:

• Worms, eggs or blood in their poo

• Worms around their rear

• Worms in their vomit

• A bloated belly

• Dry, dull fur

• Dragging their bottom along the ground.

Do I need to get flea and worm treatments for my pet on prescription?

You don’t need a prescription to buy flea and worm tablets for dogs and cats.

You can buy them online, at the supermarket or at your local vets. However, lungworm treatments are only available on prescription.

When using pet treatments, always follow the instructions on the product leaflet. The RSPCA also recommends talking to your vet about which products are safe to use.

Whatever you do, never use flea treatments designed for dogs on cats. Some contain permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats.

How often should I treat my dog for fleas and worms?

How often you’ll need to de-flea and worm your dog will depend on their age and lifestyle, along with the products you’re using.

As a general guideline, these are the recommended timescales, but always consult a vet first:

Puppies

• Fleas – start monthly treatment from six to eight weeks old, depending on weight

• Worms – from three weeks old, treat every two or three weeks until they reach around 16 weeks old. Then monthly or as advised.

Adult dogs

• Fleas – treat every month or as advised

• Worms – treat every one to three months.

How often should I treat my cat for fleas and worms?

It depends on their age and lifestyle, along with the products you’re using.

Even if you have an indoor cat, they should still be treated because fleas can get into the house on your clothing and shoes.

These are the recommended timescales, but always consult a vet first:

Kittens

• Fleas – start monthly treatment from eight to 10 weeks old, depending on weight

• Worms – from three weeks old, treat every two weeks until they’re 16 weeks old. Then monthly or as advised.

Adult cats

• Fleas – treat every month or as advised

• Worms – treat every three to six months or as regularly as your vet suggests.

How can I prevent fleas and worms?

Dealing with fleas and worms is part of owning a pet. But there are ways to reduce the risk of infestation:

• Clean your home and pet bowls regularly using a pet-safe disinfectant

• Vacuum furniture, floors and skirting boards regularly to help destroy fleas at each stage of their lifecycle

• Clean up after your pet and carefully dispose of their poo straight away

• Use flea and worm treatments often

• Regularly groom your pet with a fine-toothed comb and check for eggs or droppings in their fur

• Keep pet bedding clean by washing at 60°C

• Wash your hands before eating – worms are easily transmitted to humans, particularly children.

Does pet insurance cover flea and worm treatment?

Pet insurance doesn’t usually cover routine treatment like flea and worm medication.

It’s for unexpected illnesses or accidents rather than preventative care, so you’ll need to pay for flea and worm treatment yourself.

However, there are separate pet health plans available that enable you to spread the cost of preventative medications like flea and worm tablets.

Remember, your pet will be healthier and happier with regular flea and worm treatment. This could also help keep the cost of your pet insurance down as it reduces their risk of getting sick.