Parasite Control
All-Year-Round Parasite Control for Dogs and Cats in Templestowe
Parasites can cause serious health problems, often without obvious symptoms. Located in the heart of Templestowe, Vets on Parker provides parasite control for local dogs and cats, including flea, tick, worm, and heartworm treatments, to help keep your furry friend comfortable, healthy, and protected year-round.
Parasite Control For Dogs
Parasites can cause irritation, illness, and in some cases, life-threatening disease. We provide year-round preventative treatment options based on your dog’s environment, habits, and risk of exposure.
Fleas and Ticks
We believe parasite protection should be simple and stress-free for both you and your dog. That’s why we offer a range of options to suit your pet’s age and your lifestyle:
- Bravecto Chews – 3 months of flea and tick protection
- Bravecto Topical – 6 months of protection in a single application
- 12-Month Injectable – A once-yearly treatment now available for adult dogs
Talk to our team to find the best option for your furry family member.
Worming
Puppies need regular worming to stay healthy as they grow:
- Every 2 weeks until they're 12 weeks old
- Then monthly until they're 6 months old
For adult dogs, worming is recommended every 3 months, or more often if they’re in a high-risk environment.
Not sure what’s right for your dog? Our team is here to help – just ask!
Heartworm
Though rare, heartworm is a serious and potentially deadly disease, spread by mosquitoes, meaning any dog that goes outside is at risk. We recommend one annual injection, administered by your vet, to provide simple and effective year-round protection.
Parasite Control for Cats
Parasites can affect cats indoors and out, causing skin irritation, illness, or discomfort. We offer preventative treatment options to keep your cat protected year-round.
Fleas and Ticks
We recommend Felpreva, a three-monthly topical that protects against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms. It’s fast-acting, long-lasting, and simple to apply.
Worming
Keeping your cat protected from worms is essential for their health, especially while they’re growing.
- Kittens need worming every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months
- Cats over 6 months should be wormed every 3 months
Using Felpreva? Great news, no additional worming is needed after 6 months, making protection simple and stress-free.
Indoor Cats
While indoor cats have a lower risk of exposure to fleas, worms, and ticks, they’re not completely protected, especially if you have other pets that go outside.
Parasites can easily be brought indoors, so it’s important to have a prevention plan in place. Treatment frequency can vary, and we’ll recommend a tailored plan based on your cat and their home environment.
Parasite Risks and Coverage Explained
Parasite risks vary by breed, age, environment, and diet. Our vets explain which products cover which parasites, how often to give them, and what works best, ensuring your fur baby stays protected without unnecessary treatments.
Parasite Control Costs
Most preventatives are affordable. We’ll discuss the best options for your pet during your visit and provide clear costs so you can make an informed choice.
Need an appointment?
Where your pet’s unwell, or it’s time for a general check-up or vaccination, your furry friend is in good hands. Book online to see our expert Vets on Parker!
Contact Details
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm
Saturday: 8am – 4pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
What Our Vets on Parker Pet Owners Really Think
FAQs
How often should I give my pet worming tablets?
For most adult pets, intestinal worming is recommended every three months. Puppies and kittens require more frequent dosing based on their age and risk level, as a single adult worm can cause life-threatening illnesses.
How can I protect my pet from fleas?
Regular use of flea preventatives (topical, oral or injectables) paired with environmental control (vacuuming, bedding hygiene) is key. Flea eggs can survive in your home, so year-round prevention is crucial.
What are the common signs of parasites?
- Fleas: Scratching, biting, skin redness, visible flea dirt.
- Ticks: Lethargy, local swelling, fever.
- Worms (intestinal): Weight loss, vomiting, stool inconsistencies, bloating, severe lethargy in young animals. However, many adults will often show no obvious external symptoms.
- Heartworm: Coughing, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, heart complications.
Is Heartworm common in Templestowe?
Because our owners are vigilant in protecting their pets, heartworm is less common in Melbourne than in northern Australia; however, cases still occur, particularly during the warmer months when mosquitoes are active. Dogs are at higher risk than cats and should be on regular prevention.
What cat and dog breeds are most at risk of Heartworm?
All dog breeds can contract heartworm, and dogs that spend significant time outdoors face a higher risk of exposure. Heartworm prevention is not necessary for cats in Melbourne. Pets with existing heart or lung conditions are more vulnerable to severe complications if they become infected with heartworm.
