Ensuring your pet is protected from nasty parasites is crucial for their health and happiness. But with so much information (and sometimes misinformation) out there, confusion about flea and worming treatments can arise.
Fear not, pet parents! This blog cuts through the clutter to debunk common flea and worming treatment myths and equip you with the facts. Let's ensure your furry friend stays healthy and parasite-free.
1. Myth: Indoor pets don’t need treatment
Truth: All dogs and cats will need some parasite treatments throughout their lives regardless of whether they are indoors or not.
According to the PDSA Animal Wellbeing Report 2024, 27% of dog and cat owners who hadn’t treated their pets for fleas said they hadn’t done so because they felt it wasn’t necessary. But all pets, regardless of whether they go outdoors, are likely to need flea and worm treatments at some point.
Pests can enter your house through other pets and even humans via our clothes or shoes. How often your pet needs to be treated will vary depending on their lifestyle and who they live with - that’s why it’s best to speak to your vet about a tailored treatment routine for your furry friend to keep them protected.
2. Myth: One treatment is enough!
Truth: You’ll need to treat your pet regularly to ensure they are protected
If your pet is at risk of catching fleas, ticks or worms, they will need regular treatment to keep them at bay – just treating them once is unlikely to be enough. However, how frequently you need to treat them depends on your individual pet’s risks and the product you’re using.
Your vet will be able to recommend a tailored plan, and always make sure to consult the label and instructions on the packet for how to give, and how often to use the product. With this approach, your pet can enjoy year-round protection from parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms.
3. Myth: Using a flea collar is guaranteed to protect your pet
Truth: Some flea collars do not guarantee protection
There are some very effective flea and tick collars available, but it’s important to speak to your vet before purchasing one because there are many on the market that don’t work well at all. And remember, if your pet doesn’t get on with one type of product, there are plenty of other options – from spot ons to treatments disguised as tasty treats.
4. Myth: You can use the same flea treatment on both your cat and dog
Truth: Some flea treatments can be toxic to other pets
Using the same flea treatment on your cat and dog may seem like an easy solution, but it can be dangerous. Some flea products for dogs contain an ingredient called permethrin which is toxic to cats, fish and birds. Always check what’s in the flea treatment to make sure it’s not toxic to anyone else in your home. If you’re unsure, ask your vet.
5. Myth: Parasites only survive in the warmer months
Truth: Parasites do not disappear during the colder season
Cold weather slows down parasites, but it doesn't eliminate them entirely. Fleas, ticks and worms can affect your furry friend all year round, with fleas in particular loving our centrally heated homes which is why it’s important to protect them all year. It may be tempting to skip treatment during these months, but you’re potentially putting your pet at risk.
That’s why it’s vital to continue flea and worming treatment for cats and dogs. Prevention is always better than cure, so keep your beloved companion protected all year round.
Bob Martin is proudly supporting PDSA
For every pack sold from their over-the-counter Clear Plus Spot On Flea & Tick Treatment range, Bob Martin will kindly contribute 5p to PDSA. Vital funds raised through the sales of these products will help PDSA provide vital treatment to pets that need them most.
Each year, across 49 Pet Hospitals, PDSA treats more than 400,000 sick and injured pets in the UK. Products from Bob Martin’s Clear Plus Spot On Flea & Tick Prevention range are available at major UK retailers, including Sainsbury's, Tesco, Morrisons, and Asda.