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Ticks

Ticks are often picked up when walking in rural areas where livestock is present or even just in areas of long grass as they can be transported by foxes and hedgehogs. Preventative spot-on treatments are available from vets (these are generally found to be more effective than none prescription ones available from pet shops although Frontline is widely available over the counter and works well).

In the event that your dog picks up a tick, it is important not to just try and pull it off as they comprise a mouth part and legs, which latch onto the skin and can be left behind, causing infection and in some cases, can carry serious disease. Use Vaseline to completely cover the tick, leave on for 30mins (ensure the dog is distracted eg take them out for a walk or cannot reach to lick it off during this time), then gently remove using a twisting motion. The Vaseline suffocates the tick and causes them to loosen their grip. Do not squeeze with tweezers. Tick removers such as O`Tom hooks are available for a couple of pounds from veterinary practices, if required.

Worms

It is recommended that dogs are wormed every three months during adult life (more frequently for puppies as they are often passed from the mother at birth). Roundworms are the most common worm seen in dog faeces and resemble long strands of spaghetti or elastic bands. It is important to clean up any dog mess as soon as possible, wearing gloves, in order to prevent spread of eggs, particularly in households with children present. A heavy worm burden can cause vomiting, ravenous appetite and weight loss in some cases.

Fleas

Fleas are a common hazard for all pet owners and animals should be treated regularly (usually monthly, depending on the product used) in order to prevent them breeding. An adult female flea can lay up to fifty eggs per day! The most common species of flea is the cat flea but they are not fussy and will happily jump onto a dog or any other passing animal to feed. They are often also found in gardens from wildlife such as foxes or hedgehogs so it is important to treat all pets, not just the one on whom you have seen a flea.

Fleas lay their eggs in the household rather than on the animals so if your pet has had fleas for some time, you should also buy a household spray vaccuming is not sufficient to clear the problem and the eggs will continue to hatch out, therefore causing a continual cycle of fleas which in turn, will jump back onto your pet to feed.

The easiest way to see whether your dog or cat has fleas, is to stand them over a white surface, such as a sheet or piece of paper, ruffle their coat and allow any dirt to drop onto the surface. Then, add a tiny drop of water to any black specks and if they turn a deep red/brown colour, the chances are that this is flea dirt, basically flea droppings comprising of dried blood. Fleas are not a serious danger to humans but can cause a nasty rash or itchiness when they bite, similar to mosquito bites.