Chessington Veterinary Surgery Blog

Flea, Tick & Worm Prevention for Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Thu, 28 May 2026 11:11:50 GMT

Flea, Tick & Worm Prevention for Dogs and Cats: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Parasites are one of the most common health concerns affecting pets across the UK, and while fleas, ticks, and worms are often thought of as seasonal problems, they can affect dogs and cats throughout the entire year. Preventative healthcare plays an important role in keeping pets comfortable, healthy, and protected from avoidable illness. At VETCall Veterinary Surgery, we regularly speak with owners who are unsure about how often their pet needs flea or worm treatment, whether indoor cats still require protection, or what symptoms they should be looking out for. With the right guidance and a consistent prevention plan, protecting your pet from parasites is usually simple, safe, and highly effective.

VETCall Veterinary Surgery is an independent veterinary practice based in North Chingford, East London, providing compassionate and modern veterinary care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small pets across Chingford and the surrounding areas. Established in 1997, the practice offers preventative healthcare, diagnostics, surgery, and access to visiting veterinary specialists, alongside 24-hour emergency support for registered clients.

Why Parasite Prevention Matters

Fleas, ticks, and worms are far more than a simple nuisance for pets. Some parasites can lead to skin irritation, digestive problems, weight loss, anaemia, or more serious illness if left untreated. Certain parasites can also pose risks to humans, particularly young children or vulnerable individuals, making prevention important for the entire household.

Regular parasite prevention helps to:

Reduce itching and discomfort
Lower the risk of disease transmission
Prevent infestations in the home
Protect other pets in the household
Support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing

Many parasites remain active all year round in the UK, particularly in centrally heated homes and during milder winters. Consistent year-round protection is often more effective than treating pets only during warmer months.

Fleas in Dogs and Cats

Fleas are extremely common in both dogs and cats and can spread surprisingly quickly if not treated promptly. A single flea can lay dozens of eggs each day, allowing infestations to develop rapidly within carpets, bedding, and furniture.

S igns of Fleas in Pets

Common signs of fleas in dogs and cats include:

Persistent scratching or biting at the skin
Hair loss
Red or irritated skin
Small black specks in the coat, often known as flea dirt
Restlessness or discomfort
Excessive grooming in cats

Some pets develop flea allergy dermatitis, where even a small number of flea bites can trigger significant irritation and inflammation.

Flea Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Modern flea prevention treatments are safe and highly effective when prescribed appropriately for your pet. Depending on your pet’s needs, prevention may include spot-on treatments, oral medications, or vet-recommended flea collars. If a flea infestation is already present in the home, household treatment may also be needed alongside treating your pet.

It is important never to use dog flea products on cats, as some ingredients commonly used in dog treatments can be highly toxic to cats.

Many owners are surprised to learn that indoor cats can still get fleas. Fleas may enter the home on clothing, shoes, or visiting animals, meaning even indoor pets may still require regular protection.

At VETCall Veterinary Surgery, we can help recommend a parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health needs.

Ticks: Small Parasites with Potential Health Risks

Ticks are commonly found in grassy parks, woodland, gardens, and outdoor spaces throughout East London, Epping Forest, and surrounding areas. They attach themselves to pets while feeding and are most commonly seen in dogs after walks outdoors, although outdoor cats can also pick them up.

Tick Symptoms in Dogs and Cats

In many cases, owners notice the tick itself attached to their pet’s skin. Ticks often appear as small grey, brown, or cream bumps.

Other possible signs include:

Redness or swelling around the bite site
Irritation or sensitivity
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Fever in rare cases

Ticks can sometimes carry diseases, making prompt removal important.

Tick Prevention in Pets

Tick prevention is especially important during spring and summer, although ticks may remain active throughout much of the year in the UK.

Helpful preventative measures include:

Regular tick prevention treatments
Checking your pet after walks in grassy or wooded areas
Grooming pets regularly
Using a proper tick removal tool if you find a tick

Avoid pulling ticks off using fingers or household tweezers where possible, as incorrect removal may leave part of the tick behind.

If you are unsure how to remove a tick safely, our team at VETCall Veterinary Surgery is always happy to help.

Worms in Dogs and Cats

Several different types of worms can affect pets in the UK, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and lungworm in dogs.

Some worm infections may not cause obvious symptoms initially, which is why routine worming treatment remains an important part of preventative healthcare even in apparently healthy pets.

Common Signs of Worms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of worm and severity of infection.

Possible signs include:

Vomiting or diarrhoea
Weight loss
A swollen abdomen in puppies or kittens
Scooting or dragging the bottom along the floor
Poor coat condition
Visible worms or worm segments in faeces
Coughing in some lungworm cases

Young animals are often more vulnerable to complications caused by worms.

Lungworm Awareness for Dog Owners

Lungworm is a potentially serious parasite spread through slugs, snails, and contaminated outdoor surfaces such as water bowls or toys. Symptoms may include:

Coughing
Breathing difficulties
Lethargy
Unexplained bleeding
Reduced appetite

Because symptoms can sometimes appear gradually or seem vague at first, prevention is especially important.

Worming Treatments for Pets

The most suitable worming schedule depends on several factors, including:

Your pet’s age
Outdoor access
Hunting behaviour
Diet
Contact with other animals
Travel history

Puppies and kittens generally require more frequent worming than adult pets.

At VETCall Veterinary Surgery, we tailor parasite prevention plans to suit each individual pet rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our experienced veterinary team focuses on preventative healthcare and personalised advice designed around your pet’s individual needs.

Why Year-Round Parasite Protection Matters

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that parasite prevention is only needed during warmer weather. In reality, fleas can survive indoors during winter, while ticks and worms may remain active during mild weather conditions throughout the year.

Consistent year-round parasite protection helps:

Prevent sudden infestations
Reduce disease risks
Keep treatment routines simple and reliable
Protect vulnerable pets and households

Routine preventative care is often easier, safer, and more affordable than treating an established infestation later on.

When Should You Contact a Vet?

We recommend contacting your vet if your pet:

Is persistently scratching or uncomfortable
Develops skin irritation or hair loss
Has vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained weight loss
Appears lethargic or unwell
Has repeated tick exposure
Develops coughing or breathing changes
Has missed regular parasite prevention treatments

Early veterinary advice can often prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.

Keeping Your Pet Protected

Flea, tick, and worm prevention is an important part of responsible pet ownership and helps support your pet’s comfort, health, and wellbeing throughout the year. With so many treatment options available, choosing the right parasite protection can sometimes feel confusing. At VETCall Veterinary Surgery, we are always happy to provide clear, practical advice tailored to your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle.

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your vet for professional advice.

If you would like advice about flea prevention for dogs and cats, tick prevention in pets, or worming treatments tailored to your pet, please contact VETCall Veterinary Surgery to speak with our friendly team or book a health check appointment. As an independent veterinary practice serving Chingford and the surrounding East London community since 1997, we are committed to helping pets stay healthy, happy, and protected all year round.

Understanding Kennel Cough in Dogs

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:07:03 GMT

Understanding Kennel Cough in Dogs

As a dog owner, keeping your pet healthy is always a top priority. One condition that often takes people by surprise is kennel cough , a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. With the growing popularity of doggy daycares , boarding kennels , training classes , and playdates at the park, it’s important to understand how kennel cough spreads and what you can do to protect your pup.

What is kennel cough?

Canine kennel cough , officially known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common upper respiratory infection in dogs.

It’s similar to a chest cold in humans and is usually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most notably Bordetella bronchiseptica .
Dogs of all breeds and ages can contract it, especially when spending time in close contact with other dogs.

Causes of kennel cough in dogs

The illness is typically caused by a mix of pathogens, including:

Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterial)
Canine parainfluenza virus
Canine adenovirus
Other airborne viruses and bacteria

These irritate the lining of a dog’s respiratory tract, leading to the characteristic hacking cough.

How does kennel cough spread?

Kennel cough is highly contagious, particularly in environments where many dogs gather, such as:

Boarding facilities and kennels
Doggy daycare
Grooming salons
Dog parks
Training classes and indoor dog events

It spreads through airborne droplets, direct dog-to-dog contact, and contaminated surfaces such as bowls or toys. Dogs may begin showing symptoms 3–10 days after exposure.

Symptoms of kennel cough

Symptoms can range from mild to more severe and may include:

A dry, hacking cough (sometimes described as honking)
Gagging or retching
Sneezing and nasal discharge
Lethargy
Loss of appetite (in more serious cases)
Mild fever

While most healthy dogs recover on their own, puppies, elderly dogs, or those with weakened immune systems may develop more serious conditions like pneumonia .

When is kennel cough most common?

Kennel cough can occur year-round but often spikes in autumn and winter, when colder, damper weather and increased use of indoor facilities allow it to spread more easily.

It’s also more common during holiday seasons, when dogs are frequently boarded or placed in daycare.

Preventing kennel cough

The Bordetella vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of kennel cough. It’s available in three forms:

Intranasal
Oral
Injection

Though not 100% effective (because kennel cough can be caused by multiple pathogens), vaccination greatly lowers the severity and likelihood of infection. Many boarding facilities and daycares require proof of up-to-date vaccines before admitting dogs.

Tips for dog owners

To help protect your dog:

Keep their vaccinations up to date, especially before daycare, kennels, or frequent group play.
Avoid close contact with coughing dogs.
Clean and disinfect bowls, toys, and bedding regularly.
Choose licensed, well-ventilated kennels and daycares that monitor dog health.
If your dog shows symptoms, consult your vet and avoid social activities until they’re cleared.

Final thoughts

While kennel cough is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and disruptive for you. By staying informed, keeping up with vaccinations, and being mindful about your dog’s social interactions, you can greatly reduce the risk of this common illness.
With a few simple precautions, your dog can continue to enjoy playdates, walks, and adventures – happily and cough-free.

New Rules For Travelling To Europe And Northern Ireland

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:32:56 GMT

New Rules For Pet Travel to EU and Northern Ireland from 31st December

GB issued pet passports will no longer be valid for travel into the EU from 23.00hrs on 31st December 2020.

If you wish to travel to Europe or Northern Ireland in future, your pet will need to have been microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to travel and then a health certificate will need to be issued within 10 days of your proposed travel date. A new health certificate will need to be issued every time you travel to Europe or Northern Ireland. For some countries, dogs will also be required to be treated for tapeworm by a vet within five days of travel, this includes travelling to Ireland, Malta, Norway and Finland. Your dog will also need to be treated for tapeworm by a vet between 24 hrs and 5 days of returning to England from Europe or Northern Ireland

Is Your Dog Legal? (or finding you lost dog is not just about chips)

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:13:36 GMT

What would happen if your dog is lost?

Your dog is lost so how will the finder manage to return your pet to you?

By now, most dog owners are aware that their dog is required by law to have a microchip implanted once the puppy is over 8 weeks of age and that the current owner's detail must be kept up to date on the microchip database.

However, many owner's seem to have forgotten that it is still a legal requirement for any dog over the age of six months that is in a public place to also wear an identification tag with the owner's contact details.

The current trend for more and more owners to use a harness instead of a collar has probably led to some owners not thinking about identity tags. That together with the compulsory microchip legislation has confused some owners into thinking that is all that is required.

So your pet is lost on a Sunday when many veterinary practices are closed making it tricky to get your pet scanned for a chip. What is the finder to do? It can take four hours for the dog warden to turn up so the finder of your dog may well decide to just let them go again. If your dog (as it should be) is wearing a tag then it is easy for the finder to contact you directly so you can be reunited with your pet as soon as possible (a bonus is this will also avoid the charges made by the dog warden). So it simply makes sense to ensure your dog wears a tag for your own peace of mind and to remain within the law.

Tags are extremely cheap but we also have an agreement with PetTags that you can get 10% off their products simply by quoting the code below where its says apply on the attached link when you check out on their website.