PET CARE LIBRARY · PARASITE PREVENTION

Protect their
little world.

Parasite prevention is an important part of routine veterinary care. Understanding your pet’s lifestyle, environment and health helps your veterinary team recommend an appropriate preventive-care plan.

01

Prevention starts
with understanding risk.

Parasites are not all the same, and every pet’s circumstances are different. Species, age, environment, lifestyle, travel and health can all be relevant when your veterinarian considers an appropriate parasite-prevention plan.

KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

Outside.
Inside.

Parasites can affect pets in different ways. Explore the two broad groups below and speak with your veterinarian about risks relevant to your individual pet.

01 · EXTERNAL

On the outside

External parasites live on or around the skin and coat. Your pet’s exposure and prevention needs can depend on their environment, lifestyle and individual circumstances.

Fleas External parasites that can affect dogs and cats.
Ticks Exposure can vary according to environment and lifestyle.
02 · INTERNAL

On the inside

Internal parasites live inside the body. Appropriate prevention and testing depend on the parasite involved and your pet’s individual risk factors.

Intestinal Parasites Several types of internal parasites can affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Individual Risk Your veterinarian can advise whether prevention or testing is appropriate.
RISK IS PERSONAL

What changes
their risk?

Tap a factor to understand why your veterinarian may ask about it when discussing parasite prevention.

01 · ENVIRONMENT

Environment

Where your pet lives and spends time can influence potential exposure. Tell your veterinarian about your pet’s usual environment.

PREVENTION IS A PROCESS

Assess. Plan.
Protect. Review.

Parasite prevention works best as part of ongoing veterinary care rather than a one-time decision.

01

Assess

Your veterinary team considers your pet’s health, history, lifestyle and environment.

02

Plan

An appropriate preventive-care approach can then be discussed for your individual pet.

03

Protect

Follow the veterinary instructions provided for the preventive plan recommended to you.

04

Review

Keep your veterinary team updated when your pet’s health, lifestyle or travel plans change.

AT HOME

Keep prevention
on your radar.

Tap each item as a simple reminder of the information and routines that can support conversations with your veterinary team.

0 OF 5
PAY ATTENTION

Notice something
different?

Many different health conditions can cause similar signs. These changes do not automatically mean your pet has parasites, but they are useful information to discuss with your veterinarian.

01 Changes in skin
or coat
02 Persistent itching
or scratching
03 Changes in stool
or digestion
04 Changes in appetite
or body condition
05 Changes in energy
or behaviour
06 Anything else that
concerns you
COMMON QUESTIONS

Good questions
to ask.

Parasite-prevention needs vary between pets. Your veterinary team can provide recommendations based on your pet’s individual circumstances.

Lifestyle is one factor in assessing parasite risk, but it is not the only consideration. Tell your veterinarian about your pet’s environment and routine so they can advise you appropriately.
The appropriate product and schedule depend on the individual pet and the veterinary plan being followed. Follow the instructions given by your veterinary team and the directions for the specific product prescribed or recommended.
Do not assume that a product suitable for one species is appropriate for another. Use parasite-control products only as directed for the individual pet, and ask your veterinary team if you are unsure.
Yes. Travel can involve different environments and exposures. Tell your veterinary team where your pet will be travelling so this can be considered as part of preventive-care planning.
Contact your veterinary team for advice. Avoid starting or combining treatments without appropriate guidance, especially if you are unsure what you have found.

About this guide

This page provides general educational information and does not replace veterinary assessment or advice. Parasite risks, preventive products, testing and treatment can vary according to species, age, health, lifestyle, environment and travel. Speak with your veterinarian about an appropriate plan for your individual pet.

Prevention built
around your pet.

Speak with the First Pet veterinary team about your pet’s lifestyle, health and environment so an appropriate parasite-prevention plan can be discussed.