What pet owners need to know about parasites

The signs of a parasite problem can vary depending on the type of parasite involved. Some pets may show obvious symptoms, while others can carry parasites without appearing unwell. 

Signs to look out for include: 

• Itching, scratching or excessive grooming 

• Hair loss, skin irritation or sore skin 

• Fleas or flea dirt in the coat 

• Ticks attached to the skin 

• Vomiting or diarrhoea 

• Weight loss or poor growth 

• A swollen or pot-bellied appearance, particularly in young animals 

• Worms or segments resembling grains of rice in the faeces or around the back end 

• Coughing or breathing difficulties 

• Tiredness or reduced exercise tolerance 

These signs are not always caused by parasites, and different parasites can cause different symptoms. Some parasite infections may also cause few or no obvious signs. 

If you are concerned that your pet may have parasites or is showing any signs of illness, contact your veterinary practice for advice. 

Regular parasite prevention can help protect dogs and cats from a range of external and internal parasites. However, the most appropriate approach will depend on your pet’s individual lifestyle and risk of exposure.

Factors that can affect a pet’s risk of encountering parasites include:

• Their age and general health

• Where they live and the areas they visit

• Whether they spend time outdoors

• Whether they hunt or scavenge

• Contact with other animals or wildlife

• Whether they travel

For example, a cat that hunts, a puppy that starts exploring the garden or a dog that travels to new areas may have different parasite risks as their circumstances change.

The type of prevention your pet needs will depend on the parasites they are most likely to encounter. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, your veterinary team can assess your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors to recommend an appropriate prevention plan.

Regularly reviewing your pet’s parasite prevention can help ensure it remains suitable for their needs. Knowing which signs to look out for and seeking veterinary advice if you are concerned can also help ensure potential parasite problems are identified and treated promptly.

You can find more detailed advice about preventing specific parasites on our pages about fleas (Fleas on Dogs, Fleas on Cats), ticks, worms and lungworm.

Further reading: How Often Should I Treat My Dog or Cat for Fleas and Worms

Contact your veterinary practice if you think your pet may have parasites or if they are showing signs of illness that could be linked to a parasite infection. 

Your veterinary team may ask about your pet's symptoms, lifestyle and recent parasite prevention. Depending on the situation, they may recommend an examination or further tests to help identify the cause of your pet's symptoms. 

You should seek veterinary advice promptly if your pet is unwell, particularly if they have: 

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea 

• Coughing or breathing difficulties 

• Marked tiredness or weakness 

• Unexplained weight loss 

• Significant skin irritation or discomfort 

• Signs of bleeding 

• Collapse or severe illness 

These signs are not always caused by parasites and may indicate another health problem. If your pet appears seriously unwell or their condition is worsening rapidly, contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible.