Parasite Prevention for Pets in East London: Keep Your Cat or Dog Healthy This Spring
- Vet in the City
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Spring is here, and with it comes warmer weather, more time outdoors, and unfortunately… more parasites! Fleas, ticks, and worms become active as the season changes, putting your pets at risk. At Vet in the City, we want to help East London pet owners keep their cats and dogs parasite-free with expert advice and effective parasite control plans.
Why Parasite Prevention is Important
Parasites aren’t just a nuisance – they can seriously affect your pet’s health:
Fleas: Cause itching, allergic reactions, and can transmit tapeworms.
Ticks: Can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.
Worms: Including roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms, and hookworms, which can lead to digestive issues, weight loss, and, in severe cases, organ damage.
Untreated parasites can also pose a risk to humans, particularly children or people with weaker immune systems.
Lungworm: Is your pet coming in to visit us soon for a routine surgery? Like a castrate or spay?
Lungworm in dogs is most commonly caused by Angiostrongylus Vasorum, it’s a parasitic worm that lives in the heart and blood vessels supplying the lungs.
Dogs become infected by eating slugs or snails, or by accidentally ingesting their slime (for example, on grass, toys, or water bowls). Once inside the body, the parasite migrates through the bloodstream to the heart and lungs, where it matures and reproduces.
We always ask if your pet is up-to-date with parasite control when admitting them for surgery but being treated for lungworm is particularly important, here’s why:
Lungworm can cause clotting abnormalities, meaning the blood doesn’t clot properly. During surgery, this creates several risks:
Increased Bleeding Risk
If a dog has lungworm and reduced clotting ability, they may bleed excessively during or after surgery — even in routine procedures like neutering.
Anaesthetic Risk
Lungworm can affect the heart and lungs, increasing the risks associated with general anaesthesia.
Post-Operative Complications
Undiagnosed lungworm can lead to delayed bleeding after surgery, which can become life-threatening.
The best advice we can give to you is to keep up with your pet’s parasite control and to triple check that lungworm is covered by the products you are using.
How to Keep Parasites at Bay
Here are some tips to help protect your pets:
Follow a Vet-Recommended Schedule
Pets have different risks depending on their lifestyle. Cats who hunt or dogs that spend time in grassy areas may need more frequent treatments. Regular check-ups with your vet ensure your parasite control is tailored to your pet.
Use POM-V (Prescription-Only) Medications
Prescription flea and worm treatments are stronger, more reliable, and specifically designed for your pet. Over-the-counter options may be less effective and don’t cover all parasite risks.
There are many different products available to treat parasites, and in most cases more than one product is needed to provide complete protection. Make sure the combination you choose covers all relevant parasites, and note the recommended treatment intervals in your calendar so you don’t miss a dose. This will help ensure your pet stays fully protected year-round.
Maintain a Clean Home Environment
After treating for fleas, vacuum carpets, clean bedding, and wash toys. Flea eggs and larvae can remain dormant in your home for weeks, which could lead to re-infestation.
Regular Vet Checks
Routine check-ups can detect early signs of infestations and help adjust your pet’s parasite prevention plan.
Parasites Are More Active in Spring
Even indoor pets can be at risk during spring. Fleas, ticks, and worms thrive in warm, humid conditions and can hitch a ride on your pet from the garden, other animals, or even boots and clothing. Early prevention is key to keeping your pets safe.
Protect Your Pet Year-Round with Vet in the City
At Vet in the City, our Pet Health Plans make parasite prevention easy.
Our plans include:
Year-round flea, tick, and worm prevention
Regular vet reviews tailored to your pet’s needs
Peace of mind knowing your pet is fully protected
Join our Pet Health Plan today and ensure your cat or dog stays healthy and parasite-free all year.
💻 Join Online: www.vetinthecity.com/pet-health-plans
📞 Call us: 020 3780 2085
Comments