Effective, prescription-grade parasite protection tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. Year-round cover included as part of Companion Plan — or available as one-off purchases.
Parasites are one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of pet illness. Fleas trigger allergies and tapeworm infestations. Ticks transmit Lyme disease. Lungworm can be fatal. Roundworms pose a risk to children. Yet despite all of this, supermarket products often don’t do what they claim. Vet-prescribed prevention is more effective, evidence-based and tailored to your pet.
What we protect against
Fleas
The most common parasite we see, year-round. Modern centrally-heated homes mean fleas don’t die off in winter. A single female flea lays up to 50 eggs a day, and 95% of an infestation lives in your carpets, sofas and bedding — not on the pet. Pets with flea allergies (FAD) can have severe itching and hair loss from a single bite. Treatment must include the home environment, not just the pet.
Ticks
Ticks are increasingly common across West Yorkshire, particularly in moorland, woodland and tall grass. Beyond the bite itself, ticks transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis — all of which can cause serious illness in dogs and humans. Modern tick prevention products either repel ticks or kill them rapidly after attachment, before disease transmission occurs.
Roundworms
The most common intestinal worm in puppies and kittens, transmitted from the mother. Roundworms can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, poor growth and a pot-bellied appearance. They also pose a zoonotic risk — Toxocara infection in humans (particularly children) can cause serious eye and nervous system disease.
Tapeworms
Acquired by eating fleas or scavenging on raw prey or rabbits. Often spotted as small rice-grain-like segments around the bottom or in the bedding. Routine flea control plus tapeworm-active worming controls them effectively.
Lungworm
Once rare in the UK, lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is now established across most of the country and is established in West Yorkshire. Dogs catch it from eating slugs and snails, including accidentally on grass or in toys left outside. Untreated lungworm can be fatal — causing breathing difficulty, bleeding disorders, and neurological signs. Most monthly worming products don’t cover lungworm; we’ll prescribe one that does where appropriate.
Heartworm & travel parasites
Pets travelling abroad face additional risks — heartworm in southern Europe, leishmaniasis, ehrlichiosis. We’ll provide a tailored protocol and Animal Health Certificate for international travel.
Signs your pet may have parasites
When to bring your pet in promptly
- Suspected lungworm signs — cough, breathing difficulty, unusual bruising, lethargy
- A tick that’s been attached more than 24 hours, or one you’re unable to remove safely
- Visible heavy worm burden in vomit or stool
- Severe itching with hair loss or open sores
- Pale gums or sudden weakness in a young animal (could indicate heavy parasite load)
Why vet-prescribed products?
Pet shop and supermarket parasite treatments are tempting because they’re cheaper — but they’re often the most expensive option in the long run. Many over-the-counter products contain older, less effective ingredients, are dosed inaccurately for your pet’s weight, or don’t cover the parasites that matter most in our area (lungworm being the obvious example).
Vet-prescribed products are subject to far stricter regulation, contain proven active ingredients, and we can choose the right formulation for your pet’s individual lifestyle — whether that’s a tablet, spot-on, collar, or injectable. We’ll always explain why we’re recommending what we are, and you’re welcome to challenge us on it.
Tailored protocols
Indoor cats
Lower risk for fleas and ticks but still need worming. We’ll recommend a lighter, less intensive protocol where appropriate.
Outdoor & hunting pets
Higher exposure to fleas, ticks, lungworm, tapeworm. Need year-round broad-spectrum cover and possibly more frequent worming.
Puppies & kittens
Need a structured worming schedule from 2–3 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months. Flea cover from 8–12 weeks.
Pregnant & nursing pets
Need careful product selection — many parasite treatments aren’t safe in pregnancy. We’ll guide you through it.
Year-round parasite cover, included in your monthly fee
Companion Plan members get all routine flea, tick and worming treatments included as part of their membership — delivered or available for collection at the practice. No more remembering monthly purchases or hidden top-up fees.
Transparent pricing
Companion Plan members receive all routine parasite treatments included as part of their monthly fee. Non-members can purchase individual treatments at the practice or via our online shop.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Nurse Consultation (parasite advice) | £20 |
| Companion Plan (parasite cover included) | £25/mo |
| Individual flea/tick/worming products | POA |
| Faecal worm testing | POA |
Companion Plus members receive enhanced parasite cover plus additional benefits. Speak to the team for full details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to treat year-round, even in winter?
For most pets in the UK, yes. Modern centrally-heated homes mean fleas survive and breed year-round, ticks are active in mild winters, and lungworm transmission continues. Stopping treatment in winter is a common cause of unexpected infestations.
Are supermarket flea products effective?
Generally less effective than vet-prescribed products, often poorly dosed, and most don’t cover the parasites that matter most in our area (particularly lungworm). They can also be unsafe if used incorrectly across species — some dog products are highly toxic to cats.
How often should I worm my pet?
Most adult dogs and cats need worming every 1–3 months depending on lifestyle. Puppies and kittens need more frequent worming. We’ll work out a schedule that suits your pet rather than relying on a generic recommendation.
I’ve never seen a flea on my pet — do they still need treatment?
Almost certainly yes. Most cats and many dogs are excellent at grooming fleas off, and you may never see one despite a flea problem being present. Flea allergy in cats and dogs is one of the most common causes of unexplained itching.
What should I do if I find a tick?
Remove it carefully with a tick remover or fine-tipped tweezers, twisting straight out without crushing. Don’t use heat, oil or alcohol. If you can’t remove it safely or your pet shows signs of illness afterwards, ring us. We’re also happy to remove ticks at a nurse appointment.
Can I catch parasites from my pet?
Yes — some parasites are zoonotic (transmissible to people). Roundworms, tapeworms, fleas, and tick-borne diseases all pose human health risks. Regular pet treatment plus basic hygiene (handwashing, prompt cleanup of pet waste) significantly reduces risk.
Get your pet protected, properly
Tailored protocols, prescription-grade products, and the option to bundle everything into a simple monthly plan.