Fleas, Ticks, and Worms: A Practical Prevention Guide
Even indoor pets can pick up parasites. Flea eggs come in on shoes and clothing, ticks hitch rides on dogs, and many worms are passed on through fleas, prey, or soil.
The right prevention plan depends on where you live, your pet’s lifestyle, and whether you have children or other animals at home.
Fleas
Fleas cause itching, skin allergies, and in young or small animals, anaemia. They also spread tapeworm. Adult fleas on your pet are only a small part of the problem: most of the population lives as eggs, larvae, and pupae in carpets, bedding, and furniture.
- Signs: scratching, especially around the tail and neck; small dark specks in the coat that turn red on damp paper
- Treat every pet in the household, not just the one that is scratching
- Wash bedding on a hot cycle and vacuum thoroughly, then empty the vacuum
- Treat the home with a product your vet recommends if there is an infestation
Ticks
Ticks attach to the skin and feed on blood, and can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis. They are most active in warmer months but can be found year-round in mild climates.
- Check your dog’s head, ears, armpits, and between toes after walks in long grass or woodland
- Remove ticks with a tick hook or fine tweezers, twisting gently without squeezing the body
- Do not burn ticks or cover them in oils or creams
- Ask your vet about a tick preventive if you live in or visit a tick area
Worms
Common intestinal worms include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Puppies and kittens often get roundworms from their mothers. Some worms can infect people, especially children who play in contaminated soil, which is why picking up dog mess matters.
In some regions, lungworm (spread by slugs and snails) and heartworm (spread by mosquitoes) are serious risks for dogs and require specific prevention.
How often to treat
Puppies and kittens are usually wormed more frequently in their first months. Adults are commonly treated every one to three months, depending on risk. Hunting cats and dogs that scavenge or eat slugs may need more frequent treatment. Your vet can recommend a schedule based on your pet’s lifestyle.
Choosing products
Prevention comes as spot-on liquids, tablets, chews, and collars. Prescription products from your vet are generally the most effective and are matched to your pet’s weight. Never use a dog product on a cat: some dog flea treatments contain permethrin, which is highly toxic to cats.
Protecting your family
- Pick up dog poo promptly and dispose of it in a bin
- Clean litter trays daily
- Wash hands after handling pets and before eating
- Cover children’s sandpits when not in use
This is general pet-care information, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different — if you are worried about your pet's health or behaviour, contact your veterinarian. In an emergency or a suspected poisoning, call your vet or an animal poison-control line immediately.