Can humans get worms from their pets?

Yes, some intestinal worms of pets, particularly roundworms and hookworms, can potentially infect humans, especially children.

Can cats have dog treatments?

No. Products that are made for dogs CAN BE LETHAL to cats.

What are the signs that my pet has fleas?

Common signs include excessive scratching, biting, and licking, hair loss (especially at the base of the tail), and the presence of flea dirt (tiny black specks) in their coat. You may also occasionally see live fleas.

Are paralysis ticks only a problem at certain times of the year?

Paralysis ticks are most active during spring and early summer due to warmer and more humid conditions. However, they can be a risk year-round, especially in warmer climates or if conditions are favourable.

Flea & Tick Prevention

Regular parasite prevention protects your pet from skin irritation, anaemia, parasite-borne diseases, and potentially fatal conditions like tick paralysis and heartworm disease. Year-round prevention is the most effective way to keep your pet safe and your home free from infestations.

Parasite Prevention Options at Ormeau Vet

We offer flexible options for protecting your pet from parasites, whether you prefer to purchase treatments as needed or want comprehensive ongoing coverage.

Standalone Parasite Prevention

Purchase flea, tick, and worming treatments individually at Ormeau Vet. Our veterinary team can recommend the most effective products for your pet based on their species, age, weight, and lifestyle. Options include:

Chewable tablets (monthly or 3-monthly options)
Spot-on treatments
Long-lasting collars
Injectable heartworm prevention
Intestinal wormers

Parasite Prevention with Best Mates

Best Mates is our annual wellness membership for dogs and cats, covering essential preventative care at participating Apiam Vet Clinics Australia-wide.

Members who select the Parasite Prevention package receive year-round protection against heartworm, fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms as part of their membership. This is one of three package options, alongside Desexing and Dental. Choosing a different package? Members still receive 15% off parasite control products. All members have access to unlimited standard consultations* and Vetriage — our after-hours tele-nurse service for urgent concerns including suspected tick paralysis.

View all Best Mates inclusions | Membership starts at $835/year | T&Cs apply

*20-minute consultations during clinic hours, subject to availability. Excludes after-hours in-clinic visits, specialists, and house calls.

Fleas

Fleas are small, fast-moving external parasites that feed on your pet’s blood. Even a few fleas can cause significant discomfort, and infestations can quickly take hold in your home.

How Fleas Affect Your Pet

Skin irritation: Flea bites cause itching, scratching, and skin inflammation
Flea allergy dermatitis: Some pets develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, where even a single bite triggers intense itching, hair loss, and skin infections
Anaemia: Heavy infestations can cause dangerous blood loss, particularly in puppies and kittens
Tapeworm transmission: Fleas carry tapeworm larvae, which infect your pet when they swallow fleas during grooming

Signs of Flea Infestation

Adult fleas can be difficult to spot. Look for these signs:

Excessive scratching, biting, and licking
Hair loss, especially around the base of the tail
Red, irritated skin
“Flea dirt” — tiny black specks in your pet’s coat (these are flea droppings)

To confirm flea dirt, place the specks on a damp white paper towel. Flea dirt will dissolve into reddish-brown smears of digested blood.

Ticks

Australia is home to several tick species, but the paralysis tick poses the greatest threat to pets.

Paralysis Ticks

The paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) is found primarily along the east coast of Australia, thriving in humid, vegetated environments. However, pets can encounter ticks in local bushland or parks, or pick them up while travelling.

As the tick feeds, it injects a potent neurotoxin into your pet’s bloodstream. This toxin causes progressive paralysis, starting with the hind legs and potentially leading to respiratory failure and death without treatment.

Symptoms of Tick Paralysis

Symptoms typically appear around 3 to 7 days after tick attachment. Early signs include:

Lethargy and weakness
Wobbly gait or loss of coordination
Changes in voice (hoarse bark or soft meow)
Retching, gagging, or vomiting
Laboured breathing

As paralysis progresses, pets may develop difficulty breathing, coughing, grunting, and become unable to stand.

Tick Paralysis is a Medical Emergency

If your pet shows any signs of tick paralysis, seek veterinary attention immediately. Every hour without treatment increases the risk of death. Keep your pet calm and cool during transport, and do not offer food or water if they are having difficulty swallowing.

Daily Tick Checks

Even with preventative treatments, perform a thorough daily tick search after your pet has been outdoors. Run your fingers through their coat, paying close attention to the head, ears, neck, chest, armpits, and between the toes. If you find a tick, remove it carefully and monitor your pet for symptoms.

Intestinal Worms

Several types of intestinal worms affect dogs and cats in Australia. Adult worms shed microscopic eggs into your pet’s coat and the environment, which can then be ingested by other pets or people.

Common Intestinal Worms

Roundworms: One of the most common parasites in young animals, causing a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhoea, and poor growth. Roundworm eggs can also infect humans, particularly children.
Hookworms: These small worms attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood, causing anaemia, weight loss, and diarrhoea.
Whipworms: Found in the large intestine, causing chronic diarrhoea (sometimes with blood and mucus) and weight loss.
Tapeworms: Long, segmented worms transmitted through fleas or infected prey. Segments resembling grains of rice may be visible in faeces or around your pet’s tail.
Hydatid tapeworms: Tiny tapeworms that can cause serious disease in humans. Dogs become infected by eating raw offal from sheep or other livestock. Regular worming is essential in rural areas.

Worming Schedule for Puppies and Kittens

Young pets are particularly vulnerable to intestinal worms and require frequent treatment:

Every 2 weeks from 2 weeks of age until 12 weeks of age
Monthly from 12 weeks until 6 months of age
Then transition to the adult schedule

Worming Schedule for Adult Pets

Routine prevention: Worm every 3 months with a broad-spectrum allwormer
High hydatid risk: If your dog has access to raw sheep meat or offal, worm every 6 weeks with a hydatid-effective product

Heartworm

Heartworm is a potentially fatal parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your pet, it deposits heartworm larvae that migrate to the heart and blood vessels, where they mature into large worms up to 30cm long.

Heartworm disease is difficult and expensive to treat, but easy to prevent. Prevention options include monthly chewables, spot-on treatments, or an annual injection administered by your veterinarian.