Archive for the ‘Dogs’ Category

Pet Eye Health Awareness Week

Can you recognise the seven common signs of poor pet eye health? We are taking part in National Pet Eye Health Awareness Week (15-21 September) in partnership with TVM UK who have shared the most important things to look out for.

1. Asymmetry

Careful observation of the way your pet looks and acts and what is classed as ‘normal’ for them is the first critical step for responsible pet care. Regarding eye health, any perceived changes in your pet’s eyes can be a good indication of whether or not a trip to your vet is warranted. Do both eyes look like each other, are the face and head symmetrical when comparing right to left?

Useful Observations:

  • Do they both look shiny and clear, not dull, cloudy, or dry?
  • Are the pupils the same size and shape?
  • Is one eye squinting?
  • Is one eye runny with watery or sticky discharge?
  • Is the colour the same? Does one look red? Has the iris suddenly changed colour?

If one eye is showing differences from the other eye or any of the above clinical signs, please get your pet checked by your vet as soon as possible.

2. Irritation

Eyes are extremely sensitive and easily irritated – did you know that the cornea has around 20-40 times more nerve endings than the tooth root? And most of us know how painful toothache is…

If you believe that your pet is suffering from eye irritation you should contact your vet for advice as irritation can be a sign of eye pain or itchiness.

Symptoms that may suggest that your pet is suffering from eye irritation:

  • Pawing/rubbing at their eye/s
  • Redness
  • Squinting or excessive blinking
  • Excessive tear staining
  • Sticky or runny discharge
  • Light sensitivity
  • Swollen skin around the eyes
  • Dullness or cloudiness of the eye
  • Different pupil sizes

Some common reasons which may cause eye irritation in your pet:

  • Allergies
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Foreign object in the eye
  • Eyelid Abnormalities
  • Trauma
  • Corneal scratches/ulcers
  • Irritants – smoke, shampoo, etc
  • Dry eye (poor tear film)

Eye problems can be very painful and go from bad to worse very quickly so don’t delay in seeking advice and treatment from your vet!

3. Blindness

Like us, pets often experience gradually failing eyesight as they approach their senior years and due to compensation using their other, superior, senses like smell and hearing, gradual sight loss may not be easily noticed by pet owners.

However, there are many other conditions that can cause your pet to go blind relatively suddenly at any age, so it is important to be vigilant of sudden changes or symptoms.

Symptoms of acute eyesight loss you may notice are:

  • Changes in the appearance of the eye
  • Confusion/disorientation
  • Clumsiness – bumping into things
  • Easily startled or nervous
  • Slow and cautious movement
  • Getting lost outside
  • Unable to find toys, food dishes, water, etc.
  • Not wanting to go out at night

Conditions causing blindness are serious and need urgent treatment if there is any remaining chance to prevent total, permanent vision loss. Blindness can also be a result of many systemic diseases which can be damaging to other organ systems so it is extra important to get your pet checked and treated.

Conditions that can cause blindness:

  • Tumours in the eye
  • Eye injuries
  • Glaucoma
  • Brain disease – Aneurism, Stroke, Seizures, Tumours, or Infection
  • General Disease – e.g. diabetes, hyperthyroidism
  • Cataracts – more common in Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Siberian Huskies
  • Corneal disease
  • Dry eye
  • Retinal Disease
  • Inflammation inside the eye

4. Tear Staining

Tear stains are those reddish-brown marks that can appear on the fur around your pet’s eyes. These stains can be unsightly and noticeable, especially on pale fur.

Dog and cat tears naturally contain high amounts of porphyrins – these are iron-containing compounds derived from red blood cell breakdown in the body. When tears sit on the skin the porphyrin staining will intensify in the presence of light.

Not only that, when tears sit on the skin around the eye, they make it damp which favours local bacterial growth – some bacteria can produce their own porphyrins, therefore, contributing to tear staining.

Tear staining is more likely to occur in certain breeds where tears find their way onto the face more easily, rather than draining normally down the tear ducts. For instance, this may be due to the shape of the face, abnormalities of the tear ducts, or small hairs around the corners of the eye that wick tears onto the face.

In most cases tear staining is largely a cosmetic problem and your pet will lead an otherwise normal life, however, some patients with tear stains may have underlying eye problems which means they overproduce tears due to ocular irritation. These tears can then spill over onto the face resulting in tear staining. It is important to ensure underlying reasons for tear staining have been ruled out by a vet as, if ignored, the underlying problem may progress and be harder to treat.

5. Redness

Your pet’s eyes are as sensitive as your own and are just as susceptible to irritation, allergies, injury, and disease. One of the earliest signs of many eye problems is a red eye. If your pet’s eyes appear visibly red or swollen get them checked ASAP by your vet as some causes of a red eye are not only painful but can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated (such as glaucoma).

Common causes of redness:

  • Conjunctivitis
  • Allergies or irritants
  • Foreign object in the eye
  • Dry Eye
  • Injury
  • Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
  • Corneal Ulcers
  • Glaucoma
  • Cherry Eye

6. Dull, Cloudy, or Colour Change

Healthy eyes should be bright, clear, and shiny — if your pet’s eye suddenly looks cloudy or opaque this is a sure sign of an eye problem that needs to be examined by a vet!

Most often cloudiness is noticed in the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) or the lens- vision may be affected to varying degrees depending on the underlying cause.

Conditions most likely to cause cloudy or opaque eyes:

  • Cataracts
  • Uveitis- inflammation inside the eye
  • Pannus- autoimmune inflammation in the cornea, German Shepherds are predisposed
  • Injury or damage to the eye/s
  • Corneal ulcers or scratches
  • Dry Eye
  • Glaucoma

Nuclear Sclerosis is considered a normal ageing change in older pets where the lens takes on a cloudy or blueish haze – it doesn’t affect vision but can often be confused with cataracts at first glance. Your vet can easily distinguish between the two conditions by doing an eye exam.

7. Runny or Sticky Eye

Eye discharge is a common problem in pets. Some types are completely normal, while others may be associated with potentially serious health concerns. In order to determine when you need to take your pet to the vet, you’ll need to understand the various types of eye discharge and what each may mean.

5 most common types of eye discharge:

  •  A little ‘gunk’ or crustiness – generally made out of dried tears, oil, mucus, dead cells, dust, etc. Typically, clear or a slightly reddish-brown colour that accumulates at the inside corners of the eyes. Most evident in the morning and is perfectly normal, with the amount produced each day being relatively constant. It should be easily removed with a damp cloth or eye cleansing solution made for pets. The eyes shouldn’t be red and shouldn’t exhibit any signs of discomfort.
  • Watery Eyes – Excessive eye watering (AKA epiphora) is associated with many different conditions that can range from being relatively minor to more serious. Below are some of the common causes of watery eyes in pets:
    • Allergies
    • Irritants
    • Foreign body in the eye
    • Anatomical abnormalities (e.g. rolled in eyelids)
    • Blocked tear ducts
    • Corneal wounds
    • Glaucoma (increased eye pressure)

Your pet may have simply received an eyeful of pollen or dust, and the increased tearing is working to solve the problem. If eyes continue to water or your pet develops red, painful eyes or other types of eye discharge, make an appointment with your vet.

  • Reddish-Brown Tear Stains – many pets, especially those with light-coloured fur, develop a reddish-brown discolouration to the fur near the inner corner of their eyes. This occurs because tears contain a pigment called porphyrin that turns reddish-brown with prolonged exposure to air. In most cases tear staining is cosmetic and can be removed with eye cleansers however sometimes it may be due to an underlying disease causing excess tearing so it is advisable to get tear stains checked by a vet.
  • White-Grey Mucus – This can be a sign of Dry Eye (AKA keratoconjunctivitis sicca), a condition where the tear film becomes inadequate. A normal tear film is vital for good eye health so the body tries to compensate by making more mucus to try and lubricate the eyes. Left untreated Dry Eye can result in severe discomfort and potentially even blindness.
  • Yellow or Green Eye Discharge – pets whose eyes produce yellow or green discharge often have conjunctivitis or an eye infection.

If you have any concerns or questions, book a routine appointment online with your local Goddard vet.

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Beware of Heatstroke in Dogs

Did you know that dogs are at much higher risk in hot weather than humans are? As a result, they can easily suffer heatstroke in hot weather (and it’s not always just in summer), becoming ill, or even fatal consequences from overheating.

Why don’t dogs cope well with the heat?

Humans can lose heat by sweating – as the water in sweat evaporates, we cool down. We also wear loose-fitting clothing, that acts as a barrier to the sun’s rays, and traps a layer of cooler air between us and the outside air.

Dogs, however, are descended from wolves – animals that are well adapted to live in cold, arctic countries. They only have sweat glands on the tip of their nose and on their pads, and their coats are designed to keep heat in, not out. As a result, they struggle to lose heat when their body temperature rises – the only way that they can cool down is by panting.

Why isn’t panting enough to stop them from getting overheated?

Panting works fairly well for a short time – but it uses up a lot of water. Sooner or later, the dog will become dehydrated and won’t be able to salivate anymore, then their temperature climbs rapidly and dangerously. 

What effect does overheating have on the dog?

Well, firstly, it leads to dehydration – many dogs who die of heatstroke actually die of shock as their body becomes dehydrated, leading to the collapse of their circulatory system. However, in exceptionally hot weather, even well-hydrated dogs can die, as their body temperature climbs faster than they are able to lose heat.

In this situation, the high body temperature literally cooks their blood, brains, and internal organs, resulting in abnormal clotting, brain damage, multi-organ failure, and then death. While a dog’s normal temperature is about 38.5C, a core temperature of 41C can lead to permanent brain damage, and the higher it goes, the more severe the damage and the faster it occurs.

What are the major risk factors?

The biggest risk is hot weather, but of course, in the summer, it’s hot throughout much of the day! The other major risk is breed – short-nosed dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs find it much, much harder to pant effectively than their long-nosed cousins. This is because their short noses lead to long soft palates and narrow nostrils, restricting airflow.

Other important factors include lack of shade and lack of water. In the midday sun, in summer, dogs can become dangerously overheated in minutes if they cannot find shade. Exercise in the heat of the day is also a problem – the more a dog exercises, the more heat their body generates, so the faster they reach the danger zone.

Most dogs, with adequate water, can maintain their core temperature up to an air temperature of about 32C – in short-nosed breeds, however, even this may be a struggle, so you need to be extra vigilant.

So what are the symptoms of Heatstroke?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Exceptionally heavy panting
  • Serious drooling or (if they’re dehydrated) sticky, or even dry gums
  • Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
  • Wobbliness or difficulty balancing
  • Abnormal behaviour
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse
  • Muscle tremors, twitching, or seizures

What should I do if my dog seems to be overheating?

When treating heatstroke in dogs, it’s crucial to prioritize cooling them down immediately before contacting your vet. Immerse young, healthy dogs in cool water, while older dogs or those with underlying health issues should be doused in cool water and then fanned. Avoiding using wet towels, as they are less effective.

Once you begin the cooling process, contact your local Goddard veterinary practice, or if it’s after hours, reach out to the nearest Goddard veterinary 24-Hour Emergency Hospital for further guidance.

Can it be treated?

It depends on how severe it is – we will work to gradually reduce their temperature, and help to treat the dehydration and shock. However, in many cases there will be permanent brain or organ damage; sadly, most studies put the mortality rate at about 50%.

How can I keep my dog safe?

Prevention is the key! On a hot day…

  • Always allow your dog access to shade
  • Make sure your dog always has water available
  • Keep at-risk dogs, especially short-nosed breeds, indoors out of the heat during the day
  • Spray hot dogs with cool water before they become ill, to help them cool down
  • NEVER leave a dog in a car, even in the shade as temperatures can rise to dangerous levels within minutes
  • Exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening, when it’s cooler
  • Watch out for the warning signs…

If you think your dog is at risk of heatstroke, call us for advice or help.

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Travelling to Europe with Your Pet: UK Pet Travel Rules Explained (2025)

Pet travel to and from the European Union, Northern Ireland and Approved Countries

Following Brexit, an EU Passport that was issued in Great Britain is no longer valid for travel to the EU an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is instead required for travel to the EU, or a PTD for travel to Northern Ireland. Please ensure that you read the full details at gov.uk before travelling. 

Travelling to Northern Ireland with your Pet

You no longer need a AHC to travel to Northern Ireland but will need to complete a Northern Ireland pet travel document (PTD) to take your dog, cat or ferret from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) to Northern Ireland.

  • Your pet must be microchipped.
  • They do not need rabies vaccinations or tapeworm treatment if you have a PTD.
  • These rules also apply to assistance dogs.
  • If you’re exporting dogs, cats, or ferrets for commercial purposes, such as a change of ownership, check the rules for commercial pet travel on Northern Ireland Government website.

Apply for a Northern Ireland Pet Travel document online at gov.uk. It’s free to apply and will last for as long as you own the pet. If you are travelling through Northern Ireland to an EU country you will need an AHC.

Preparing to travel to the European Union (EU) with your pet

It is essential to prepare well ahead of your journey. Before your dog, cat or ferret can travel from Great Britain (GB) to the EU or Northern Ireland you’ll need to take the following steps.

  1. You must have your dog, cat, or ferret microchipped.
  2. Have your dog, cat, or ferret vaccinated against Rabies. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before it can be vaccinated.
  3. Wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination before seeing an Official Veterinarian (OV) for completing the AHC and no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
  4. You must either travel with your pet or within 5 days of your pet travelling. The person travelling with your pet must attend the AHC appointment.

What is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC)?

The Animal Health Certificate is a 12-page document that must be completed and certified by an Official Veterinarian (OV) who has completed additional animal export training, and who has been approved by the UK Government for this purpose. The certificate takes considerable time to complete, and accuracy is important. You will need to provide supporting evidence for completion of the document:

  • A record of the date of microchipping
  • Rabies vaccination records
  • Evidence of your journey, showing that you are either travelling with your pet, or within 5 days of your pet.
  • The person travelling with your pet will need to sign a declaration at the certification appointment that the movement of the pets is for non-commercial reasons.

At Goddard Vet Group, we have several OVs available across our London practices that can help you with your pet travel needs so please check that one is available when you need to travel by booking well in advance of your travel date. To assist with this process, and to ensure you are fully informed about the documentation you will be required to provide, please complete our online AHC Client Information Form that will be emailed to you when on request of an appointment for an AHC. The completed form should be submitted at least 14 days before your intended date of travel and once reviewed by our official veterinarian, we will call to confirm your appointment.

The Animal Health Certificate will be valid for:

  • 10 days after the date of issue for entry into the EU
  • Onward travel within the EU for 4 months after the date of issue
  • Re-entry to GB for 4 months after the date of issue
  • Only one trip

If you are travelling with more than 5 pets

All pets must be over 6 months of age, and must be attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event.

  • Written documentation of the age of the pets, and records of attendance at these events must be provided.

Dogs travelling to Finland, the Republic of Ireland, Norway or Malta

  • Dogs must receive treatment against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) between 1 to 5 days before arriving in any of these countries.
  • Tapeworm treatment must be entered by the Official Veterinary (OV) on the AHC following treatment or in an EU-issued Pet Passport. In practice, therefore, AHCs to these countries will normally be issued within 1-5 days before arrival at your destination.

Arriving in the EU

Pet owners travelling with pets must travel on approved routes and will need to enter through a designated Travellers’ Point of Entry (TPE). You may be required to present the pet’s original AHC along with evidence of your pet’s:

  • Microchip
  • Rabies vaccination history
  • Tapeworm treatment (if required).

Repeat trips to the EU

A new AHC will be required for each trip and a rabies vaccination will need to be up-to-date or, if not, revaccination will be required followed by a 21-day wait before travel.

Returning to Great Britain

There will be no change to the current health preparations for pets entering Great Britain from 1 January 2021. Pet owners must have one of the following documents when returning to Great Britain from the EU:

  • An EU pet passport (issued in the EU or GB before 1 January 2021), or a pet passport from a Part 1 listed third country
  • The AHC issued in GB used to travel to the EU – which you can use up to 4 months after it was issued
  • A UK pet health certificate (for travel into GB only).

This documentation is not required if entering Great Britain from:

  • Northern Ireland
  • The Channel Islands
  • The Isle of Man
  • The Republic of Ireland.

Check the routes before you travel. Owners must travel using approved routes and their pet’s documents and microchip will be checked when entering Great Britain.

Owners of assistance dogs returning from the EU do not have to travel on approved routes. You must notify the point of entry in advance that you are travelling with an assistance dog to ensure the appropriate checks are done. Owners do not have to travel on an approved route if they travel to Great Britain from:

  • Other UK countries
  • The Channel Islands
  • The Isle of Man
  • The Republic of Ireland.

Travelling home from countries not free from tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis)

You will need to take your dog to a vet for approved tapeworm treatment and must do this no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before entering Great Britain. This requirement has not changed since 1 January 2021. The treatment must:

  • Be approved for use in the country where the treatment is applied.
  • Contain praziquantel or an equivalent proven to be effective against tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis).

Tapeworm treatment of dogs is not required prior to re-entry to Great Britain if travelling directly to the UK from Finland, Republic of Ireland, NI, Norway or Malta.

Health and welfare of your pet abroad

You should consider that if you take your pet abroad it may be exposed to several diseases that we do not have in this country e.g. some diseases transmitted by ticks or biting flies, and parasites such as heartworm and tapeworm. The tapeworm treatment given under the pet travel rules is purely to prevent the introduction of those parasites into the UK. However, it is vitally important that your pet is protected against these other diseases while abroad. In addition to routine vaccination and normal flea and worm control, the following need to be considered and preventive treatment given. You may find further information regarding the risks and recommended preventive measure measures for the region you are travelling in by checking the European Travelling Pets Advice website.

Leishmaniasis

Caused by an organism that is spread between animals by sandflies. Affected animals may lose weight, develop skin lesions and swollen lymph nodes, become lame, and have recurring fevers. A vaccine is available against Leishmaniasis. This should be planned well in advance of travel. Sandfly repellents are also available from your veterinary practice.

Babesiosis

A parasitic disease of red blood cells is spread by ticks. Signs of disease may include fever, loss of appetite, the passage of red/brown urine, anaemia, weakness, and death.

Ehrlichiosis

A disease that is also transmitted by ticks and infects red blood cells. Clinical signs vary but include fever, loss of appetite, and anaemia.

Dirofilariasis (Heartworm Disease)

Is transmitted by mosquitoes with the development of adult worms which live in the heart and blood vessels. The signs of the disease include coughing, breathlessness and can lead to death.

Tapeworms

Echinococcus can produce serious disease in humans and so it is important to protect your pet and thereby, yourself and your family. As well as the tapeworm treatment administered by a Veterinary Surgeon before returning to the UK, we recommend using tapeworm treatment every month your pet is in the EU, 1-5 days before returning (which must be given and certified by a Veterinary Surgeon), and then again, 1 month after returning. 

Brucella Canis and Rabies – transmittable to people via bites or scratches

Both of these infectious diseases can be transmitted to your dog, or to you from direct contact with infected dogs, and in the case of Rabies, both dogs and foxes. They are most commonly observed in Eastern European countries.

While your dog will be vaccinated against rabies, please contact a veterinary practice if your dog is bitten while abroad. If you are bitten or scratched by a stray dog please immediately wash any wounds or scratches and contact a medical facility as soon as possible in the country in which you were bitten.

Protect your pet with regular preventative treatment

We have seen several cases of some of the diseases listed above, especially Babesiosis and Leishmaniasis in pets that have become infected while abroad. We would therefore recommend that your pet receives regular preventive treatment to protect against the following whilst travelling abroad in:

  • Ticks (protect against Babesia and Ehrlichia infection)
  • Heartworm
  • Tapeworm
  • Sandflies and mosquitoes (protect against Leishmania and Heartworm infection).

Your local Goddard Vet will be able to advise you on the best protective treatments to use depending on the area that you intend to travel to.

Spring Dangers & Threats to Your Pet

Spring is an exciting time of the year. The weather is improving and the prospect of enjoying time outdoors with your pet is becoming more of a reality after months indoors. All pet owners need to know the potential dangers springtime can bring to their pets and the best ways to avoid harmful accidents. Read our helpful tips on keeping your dog or cat away from danger. 

Outdoor Pet Dangers to Look Out For This Spring

Many items can be found in your garden during spring that can be highly toxic and, in some cases, deadly to your pet — even in the smallest quantities. 

Lily Plant

Lilies are a popular gift and a lovely addition to any garden or home, but if you have a cat, they can be extremely dangerous. Every part of the lily plant—leaves, petals, stems, pollen, and even the water in the vase—can cause kidney failure in cats, even in tiny amounts.

  • If you love having flowers at home, opt for cat-safe alternatives like orchids, roses, or sunflowers.
  • If you receive lilies as a gift, keep them well out of reach—or, better yet, choose to regift them to a non-cat-owning friend to keep your feline safe.

Visit the Cats Protection website for more advice on dangerous plants. 

Perennial Plant Bulbs

Spring bulbs bring vibrant colors to gardens, but many can be highly toxic to pets if ingested. Dogs, in particular, are prone to digging up and chewing on bulbs, unaware of the dangers they pose. Some common toxic bulbs include daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.

  • Store bulbs securely – Keep unplanted bulbs out of reach of pets, in sealed containers.

  • Choose pet-safe alternatives – Consider planting pet-friendly options like sunflowers.

  • Supervise outdoor time – If your pet enjoys exploring the garden, monitor them closely, especially in freshly planted areas.

Slug Pellets

Slug pellets containing metaldehyde are extremely toxic – ingestion of even small amounts will cause severe seizures. Instead of using toxic slug pellets, consider pet-safe alternatives, such as:

  • Crushed eggshells – These create a rough surface that slugs avoid.

  • Copper tape – Wrapping plant pots with copper tape acts as a natural deterrent.

  • Encouraging natural predators – Frogs, hedgehogs, and birds help control slug populations.

  • Organic, pet-safe pellets – Look for ferric phosphate-based pellets, which are much safer for pets.

Adders

While seemingly less likely than the other outdoor threats, Adders need to be considered by all pet owners whether in their gardens or out on walks. As the weather gets warmer, Adders wake up from their winter hibernation. Our overly inquisitive pets can encounter the UK’s only venomous native snake in many different scenarios and may attract a nasty bite if you aren’t too careful.

  • Woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands – Adders are commonly found in these natural habitats, especially in clearings or areas with long grasses.

  • Rocky or hilly areas, and near water – They often inhabit elevated or rocky terrain, as well as areas close to ponds or streams.

Ticks 

As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, posing a risk to pets that enjoy exploring grassy areas, woodlands, and even urban parks. These tiny parasites latch onto your pet’s skin, feeding on their blood and potentially transmitting harmful diseases like Lyme disease and Babesiosis.

  • Check regularly – After walks, inspect your pet’s fur, especially around the ears, neck, and between the toes. Ticks can be as small as a pinhead, so look carefully.

  • Use preventative treatments – Speak to your vet about tick-repellent treatments, including spot-on solutions, collars, or oral medications.

Read more on ticks here

Year-Round Pet Safety: Stay Alert in Every Season

As temperatures rise in summer, it’s also crucial to protect your pet from heat-related illnesses. Take a look at our tips for keeping your dog cool during the hottest months to ensure they stay comfortable and safe.

The warmer months aren’t the only time of year when pets face potential dangers—each season brings its own risks. For example, winter festivities can introduce hidden hazards, so be sure to check out our guide to keeping your pets safe at Christmas.

Act Fast in a Poison Emergency: Remember S.P.E.E.D!

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, every second counts. Follow the S.P.E.E.D method to act quickly and effectively:

S – Stop your pet from eating any more of the suspected toxin.

P – Phone your vet immediately.

E – Emergency appointment—seek urgent veterinary care.

E – Evidence—bring labels, samples, or vomit (safely contained) to help with diagnosis.

D – Don’t delay! Time is critical in poisoning cases.

If you’re unsure whether something your pet has eaten is dangerous, consult our Poisons Guide or contact your local Goddard vet for expert advice.

Poisons Guide
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Parasites, Your Pet, Your Family and the Environment

Our dogs and cats are an important part of our families and households but, depending on their lifestyle, they can encounter parasites that may pose a risk to either their health or to ours. It is important to understand the risks, monitor for infections and to help prevent disease in both our pets and our families, and to protect the environment in regard to the use of parasiticides (the medicines used to treat fleas, worms, ticks etc).

At Goddard Veterinary Group, we recommend twice-yearly preventative health checks, one with the Veterinary Surgeon at vaccination time, and one at a nurse check six months later. These appointments are the ideal time to discuss your pet’s lifestyle and their personal risk profile for picking up parasites. Preventing disease is better for your pet, your pocket and the environment than treating a disease once it is established.

Puppies and Kittens

Young animals have immature immune systems and are more at risk of life-threatening disease from parasites than adult cats and dogs. The veterinary surgeon will perform a full examination at the time of your first appointment and we ask you please bring a list of any treatments that your breeder or rescue centre may have given your puppy or kitten before rehoming.

Commonly seen parasites in puppies and kittens are:

  • Roundworm – young animals are high risk of carrying roundworm which is a gastro-intestinal worm that can cause illness in young animals and blindness in people. Puppies can contract it in utero from their mother before birth. You may not always see evidence of roundworm, but occasionally they may pass in your pet’s faeces or be seen in vomit and look a bit like spaghetti.
  • Fleas.  These are often carried from their mother and can cause significant anaemia (red blood cell deficiency) in young animals.  See below for how to detect fleas on your pet.
  • Ear Mites. These are not uncommon in young animals and can cause a lot of irritation around the head. Our vet will examine the ears at their initial check-ups to check for signs.

Dogs and Lungworm

Lungworm is a serious illness that can be fatal to your dog if it goes undetected and untreated. 75% of foxes in London are believed to carry lungworm and it passes through slugs and snails and into your dog as larvae.  Slugs and snails can be picked up when your dog chews grass and possibly from drinking from puddles or from dog bowls where slugs have been.

We recommend regular monthly prevention for but all but the most house-bound dogs in London.  Preventative treatments are only available through a veterinary prescription and are not available in products sold over the counter or online without a prescription. We can offer prescriptions for either a Spot-On treatment or a chewable tablet.  

If you dog is not on regular prevention, we will recommend a lung worm test prior to any surgery or if you dog is showing signs of being unwell.

Learn more about Lungworm

Fleas – a problem for your pets, for you and your house

Fleas are probably the most common parasite we see and can cause immense irritation to you and your pet. They can also spread disease to people such as Cat Scratch Fever if we are bitten by them, and your pet can develop Flea Allergic Dermatitis. The risk of fleas increases in multi-pet houses, for pets that go outdoors and those that socialise with other pets.

The big issue with fleas, is that only the adult fleas live on your pet, and they account for only 5% of the flea population. The flea eggs, larvae and pupae live in the environment – they like a warm climate and fed off the dander (flakes of skin shed in your pet’s hair or fur). The pupae can hibernate for months and hatch as the adult flea when they feel warmth and vibrations of a mammal. The greatest risk of picking up fleas is over the spring and summer months, and then again when we turn on our central heating. Once a flea population is established in your house, it can take months to treat.

How to detect if you pet has fleas:

  • Purchase a flea comb from your vet or a pet shop.
  • Run the comb through your pet’s coat along the back, especially over the top of the tail.
  • Shake any contents of the comb onto a wet tissue or paper towel.
  • If you see black spots that turn red with blood, that is flea dirt.

We have a range of preventative treatments including ‘Spot-Ons’ and tablets and our veterinary team will make a recommendation to you based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. Once an infection is confirmed on your pet, we will also recommend you treat your house, furniture, car, garden sheds and anywhere you pet may have been indoors that could keep the flea lifecycle going

Ticks

Ticks are another blood sucking parasite that can be picked up when your pet goes for walks in grassy areas.  They can cause irritation and also transmit disease to your pet. They are mostly seen where other host animals live, such as deer, sheep and cattle. Dogs and cats living near some of London’s parks or those that travel outside of London are most at risk.

Do not remove a tick by pulling on it. The head parts will remain and can transmit disease or cause irritation and do not use spirit on it. Use a tick hook to twist the tick off with head parts attached. Tick hooks come with instructions for use.

Prevention. We recommend regular prevention if your pet is at increased risk of ticks, but not all pets will need it. Tick treatments are often combined with some flea treatments so check with your veterinary team if your flea treatment also covers for ticks. Tick treatments are available as a Spot On or as a tablet.

Learn more about ticks

Roundworm – an intestinal worm in dogs and cats

As for puppies and kittens, adult cats and dogs are at risk of picking up roundworm. They live in the gastrointestinal tract, and you won’t often see visible signs. They can cause disease in people known as Toxocariasis and those most at risk are children and the immunosuppressed.

Eggs can be passed into the environment and survive a long time – that is why its important to pick up dog’s faeces and dispose of it in bins and not let pets play in sand pits or children’s playgrounds. Urban areas are reported to be at higher risk of roundworm than in country areas due to a higher density of pets and foxes. Your vet will recommend a regular worming program passed on your pet’s lifestyle. Cats that hunt, dogs that scavenge and feeding pets raw food will all increase the risk of roundworm.

See Feline Endoparasites: what is inside my cat and see Toxocarisis from the NHS for more on the risks to people.

 

Figure 1-Lifecycle images from ESSCAP Guideline 01 Sixth Edition May 2021

Tapeworm

There are a range of tapeworm species your pets can catch and three are a concern for human health:

Echnicoccus Granulosos in dogs: Can be picked up by eating raw offal and transmitted to people leading to large internal cysts known as hydatid cysts. Dogs that are scavengers, who travel to farming areas, or  are fed raw food are at increased risk.

Echnicoccus Multilocluaris: Very common in Western Europe. Any dog that that travels to the EU must be treated before returning to the UK and we recommend treating again a month after returning.

Dipylidium caninum: If we accidentally ingest an adult flea this tapeworm can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Frequency of tapeworm treatment will be dependent on the lifestyle of your pet and whether they hunt, travel abroad, are feed raw food or live with immunosuppressed family members.

This covers the most commonly seen parasites in the Greater London area. However, there are a range of other creepy crawlies you and your pet may encounter and regular health checks are the best way to get an early diagnosis.

How to use parasite treatments safely:

All our parasite treatments will be dispensed with a data sheet that explains safe handling guidelines and we recommend reading these, especially if it is the first time you have used the treatment.

The British Veterinary Association advises the following to protect your pet, yourself and the environment from possible adverse effects of parasite treatment.

Keeping Pets Safe

  • Only use products for the animal they’re prescribed for — they may harm others.
  • Use the right product for the species — e.g. never use a dog product on a cat.
  • Follow your vet’s advice on treatment frequency and when to finish the course.
  • Avoid your pet’s eyes, ears and mouth when applying spot-on treatments and make sure other animals can’t groom or lick them.

Keeping People Safe

  • Check the label to see if you are sensitive to any ingredients.
  • Seek medical advice if you experience any adverse reactions.
  • Avoid contact with your skin, eyes or mouth.
  • Do no stroke or groom your pet until Spot-On treatments are dry.

Keeping the Environment Safe

  • Discuss treatment options with your vet to minimise environmental risks.
  • Check instructions before your pet is washed or swims. The medicine can wash off, stop working and harm wildlife and the environment.
  • Dispose of the packaging safely and return unused products to your vet.
  • Always pick up your pet’s poo and dispose of it responsibly.
Find out more

Spot-Ons:

See our videos on our website at www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk for the most effective way to apply a Spot-On:

How to Apply a Spot On to a Dog

How to Apply a Spot On to a Cat

Always remember to follow the label and data sheet instructions on handling, swimming or bathing your pet after application.

Tablets:

Giving a tablet to your pet can be challenging but the parasiticide tablets we recommend are flavoured and chewable or can be wrapped in a treat to help with administration.

See our guide on ‘Giving your cat medication‘ for further information.

Don’t forget to bin and bag faeces when using an oral parasiticide tablet.