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Petbarn and Greencross Vets urge pet owners to protect pets against parasites after common myths revealed
The call-to-action comes after Greencross Vets has seen an increase in parasite cases occurring during winter - before the warmer months have even set in. According to a recent survey*, over 40% of pet parents are not properly treating their pets for fleas whilst 60% are not following tick-prevention guidance.
To assist and educate pet parents navigate this troublesome issue, Petbarn and Greencross Vets have revealed the most common parasite myths – including pet parents wrongly assuming pets are only at risk in the summer months and that puppies and kittens are too young to contract parasitic diseases.
Greencross Vets Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Magdoline Awad, said: “Throughout COVID-19, we have seen an influx of new pet owners who may not be aware of how important parasite prevention is, particularly for puppies and kittens.
“Intestinal parasites can cause weight loss, vomiting, anaemia, blockage and if severe enough cause death in pets, so it’s imperative to have an effective prevention in place. With so much confusion around parasite prevention, we’re committed to busting myths and calling on all pet owners to make sure their pet is protected against parasites.”
Most common parasite myths:
1. Parasites are only a risk in summer
a. While fleas and ticks may thrive in warmer environments, they are very much a risk to your pet all year-round.
2. I can’t see worms, so my pets mustn’t have any
a. Worms live in your pet’s intestines and your pet will most likely only have worm eggs and larvae in their faeces, which are too small for the naked human eye to see, if they’re already contaminated.
3. My puppy/kitten is too young to have contracted a parasite
a. Newborn puppies and kittens have a weaker immune system and can be contaminated from their mother’s milk. Some kittens are even born with worms already.
4. My pet lives indoors / in our garden, so they can’t contract parasites
a. Not going outside does not parasite-proof your pet. Simply eating contaminated grass, or licking shoes, can cause contamination. Humans can also unknowingly bring parasites into their homes on clothing. Parasites like fleas are very resilient and can lay dormant in carpet and furniture for months before being activated.5. Humans can’t contract parasites from pets
a. Humans can contract parasites from their pets through contact with contaminated faeces, through saliva, coming in contact with areas that pets relieve themselves in, or something as harmless as getting close for a snuggle. Due to their rapid multiplication, a few fleas on your pet can soon infest your entire home.
6. A single product can protect my pet from all parasites
a. No single product can provide 100% protection against all parasites so you must always use a combination of two products to keep your pet safe – our FTW Finder Tool can help you find the right product combination.
7. I can give my cat, dog medication (and vice versa)
a. No. Though they’re just as adorable on the outside, cats and dogs metabolise some drugs differently meaning that while dogs may be able to be given a certain medication, the same medication could be lethal for a cat. It’s essential that you read all labels very carefully and only provide your pet with medication specifically registered for use in their species, appropriate for their age and weight.
How to protect against parasites – removing the confusion
With so many parasites out there, that can harm our pets (and our families), it can be very confusing and overwhelming for pet parents to choose the right product that provides complete protection.
To help pet parents navigate parasite confusion, the experts at Petbarn and Greencross Vets have developed a Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment Finder tool to help identify the exact combination of treatment pets need for total parasite protection.
The tool even takes into consideration the pet’s location – as parasites in Australia can vary according to geography.
Greencross Vets Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Magdoline Awad, said: “We understand just how confusing parasite prevention can be, particularly when there’s not one silver bullet for treatment. We hope our Finder Tool will put pet owners’ minds at ease and keep our pets happy, healthy and parasite-free!”
If you need further help choosing the correct parasite protection, please speak to your local Greencross Vet.
Parasite Protection Finder for cats at petbarn.com.au/ftwfindercat
Parasite Protection Finder for dogs at petbarn.com.au/ftwfinderdog
*According to a survey of 503 dog owners by Boehringer Ingelheim.
MEDIA RELEASE, 8th September 2020
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