As the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, spring brings plenty of opportunities for our pets to enjoy the great outdoors. Unfortunately, it also marks the start of peak parasite season. At our practice, we see a noticeable increase in flea infestations, tick bites and worm cases from March onwards.

A spring check-up is the perfect way to make sure your dog or cat is in great shape and fully protected against common UK parasites. Prevention is always safer, simpler and more cost-effective than treatment.

Indoor heating and milder winters in recent years mean parasites are surviving for longer and becoming active earlier. Fleas can live indoors all year round, while ticks thrive in grassland, woodlands and even urban parks. Worm risks also increase as pets spend more time outside.

Common UK parasites include:
– Fleas – causing itching, skin infections and tapeworm.
– Ticks – which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease.
– Roundworms and hookworms – affecting digestive health.
– Lungworm – a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs.

During a health check, we carry out a full nose-to-tail examination. This may include:
– Weight and body condition assessment
– Skin and coat check for signs of fleas or allergies
– Lump and bump examination
– Dental health check
– Discussion of lifestyle and parasite risk

We can review your pet’s parasite prevention plan to ensure they’re covered against fleas, ticks and worms with up-to-date, vet-recommended treatments.

Get parasites treatment as part of our Pet Health Plan – learn more here.

Many owners believe indoor cats don’t need parasite prevention. Unfortunately, that’s a myth.

Fleas in indoor cats are common in UK homes. Eggs can be carried inside on shoes, clothing or visiting pets. Even occasional access to your garden increases the risk of exposure to fleas, ticks and worm eggs present in grass and soil. Once inside, fleas spread quickly through carpets and bedding.

A small flea problem can lead to tapeworm infection in cats during grooming. There is also a risk of roundworms in cats, as worm eggs can be brought indoors from contaminated soil. Some intestinal worms can pose a risk to human health.

For this reason, UK vets recommend regular flea and worm treatment for indoor cats. Book in your cat’s check-up – we’ll assess their lifestyle and provide tailored, vet-prescribed parasite protection to keep them covered all year round.

✔ Use vet-prescribed parasite prevention regularly and consistently.
✔ Check your dog for ticks after countryside walks.
✔ Wash pet bedding regularly at 60°C to help kill flea eggs.
✔ Keep up to date with worming treatments, especially for pets that hunt or scavenge.
✔ Book an annual health check before problems arise.

Our Pet Health Plan can help spread the cost of routine parasite treatments and annual check-ups, making preventative care more affordable and convenient for busy pet owners.

Our Pet Health Plan makes parasite prevention simple, affordable and stress-free. With flea, tick and worm treatments included, plus routine check-ups to keep your pet thriving, you can stay one step ahead of seasonal risks all year round.

No missed doses, no unexpected costs – just proactive, preventative care tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.