External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can cause a variety of health problems for domestic pets in Australia. These tiny pests can transmit diseases, cause allergic reactions, and even lead to anaemia.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that live on the skin of animals. They feed on blood and can multiply quickly, leading to infestations.Only 5% of a population of fleas is actually living on your pet; the other 95% of the population exists in your environment as eggs and larvae. Fleas can cause itching and irritation for cats, dogs, rabbits and birds and can even lead to allergic reactions. In addition, fleas can transmit tapeworms to pets.

Ticks are small, eight-legged creatures that attach themselves to the skin of animals and feed on their blood. They can also transmit diseases, such as Australian Spotted Fever and Queensland Tick Typhus. Ticks can be difficult to remove and cause inflammation and infection at the attachment site. Some species of ticks in tropical areas can cause paralysis.

Mites are microscopic creatures that live in the skin of animals and feed on their skin cells and secretions. Mites cause hair loss and some species may cause intense itchiness. Some species of mange mites are easily transmitted between animals as well as to people.

To prevent infestations of fleas, ticks and mites, it is important to use regular parasite-control products, such as monthly topical or oral medication and shampoos. These products can be found at most pet stores and veterinary clinics. Additionally, it is important to regularly groom and inspect pets for any signs of fleas or ticks.

It's important to note that even indoor pets are at risk for flea and tick infestations, as these pests can easily be brought into the home on clothing or shoes.

Overall, fleas, ticks and mites can cause serious health problems for cats and dogs in Australia. By using regular parasite control products and regularly inspecting pets, owners can help prevent infestations and keep their pets healthy.

It is also important to consult with a vet if your pet shows signs of infestation, such as excessive scratching or biting since it can lead to severe skin irritation, hair loss and even secondary bacterial infections. In case of tick infestation, it's important to remove the tick as soon as possible and keep an eye on the pet for any signs of tick-borne disease.

Internal parasites, such as worms and flukes, may also cause serious disease in your pets.There are some species of worm that attach to the walls of your pet's gastrointestinal tract, feeding on blood while other species of worm living within the gastrointestinal tract feed on the nutrients from your pet's food. There are other parasite species that travel through the body tissues and cause other serious disease conditions.

Species of worms that feed on blood include whipworm and hookworm. Heavy infestation with these types of worms can lead to anaemia, or low blood cell count. Hookworm are a zoonotic species of worm, meaning that people can be infected. These worms can enter the human body by burrowing through the skin of your feet. Species of worm that feed on your pet's digesting food can also be transmitted to people, however as people are not the intended host for these worms, they can cause major health issues.

The easiest way to avoid major illness from these internal parasites is regular worming treatments - these are included in most of the monthly preventative preparations (heartworm, flea and intestinal worming) or may be given as a separate treatment every 3 months. These products are readily available from your veterinarian or pet stores. Ensuring good personal hygiene (washing hands regularly and not allowing your pets to lick your face) will help to prevent infecting yourself. However, as our children are less likely to be so careful, we do recommend regular worming to prevent serious preventable disease being transmitted from your pets.