
Flea and worm treatment
Flea and worm treatment

Parasite prevention is an essential part of caring for your four-legged-friend. There are various parasites both internal (worms) and external (mites, fleas, ticks etc) which can affect your dog, cat and rabbit in the UK and abroad. We have recommended preventive measures, but we can tailor a plan to suit your circumstances and your pet.
Types of parasite prevention

Fleas and worms are some of the most common issues that affect the health of our pets, and not only do they cause issues such as itching and weight loss, but they can also carry diseases that can, in some rare cases, be life threatening.
In general, we recommend the following parasite treatments:
Worming
Puppies
Worming every 2 weeks until the age of 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months then 3-monthly for life.
Kittens
Worming monthly from the age of 6 weeks.
Rabbits
Regular prevention for worms is not required, but if you're worried contact our vets.
External parasites
Dogs
Dog owners should apply regular flea and tick treatment throughout the year, the frequency of administration of these treatments varies according to the chosen product.
Cats
Regular flea and tick treatment throughout the year, the frequency of administration of these treatments varies according to the chosen product.
Rabbits
Rabbits should receive annual treatment to protect against external parasites.
Flea and worm treatment from Orchard House

Our flea and worm treatment options come in the form of tablets, spot-on treatments, collar and injectable, some last 4 weeks, others longer. Please speak to a Vet or Veterinary Nurse for a bespoke parasite prevention plan.
Find out more about the parasites that can affect your pet, please download our parasite table
**Please note – your pet MUST have an appointment at least once every 12 months in order for a prescription to be made**
Well Pet Club
The Well Pet Club exists to help our clients spread the cost of your pets preventative treatment, booster vaccinations and offers great discounts and exclusive member events. You could save up to £120 a year on the gold standard care your pet deserves!
Click here to find out more information and how to join our Well Pet Club.
Parasite Prevention FAQs
Why is it important to treat my pet for fleas and worms?
It is essential to treat your pets for fleas and intestinal worms. Parasites feed on other creatures, and can cause significant health issues for our pets.
How often should I treat my pet for fleas and worms?
How often you treat your pets for parasites depends on various factors, including the type of flea and worm treatment that you're using and your pet's lifestyle. This is because certain lifestyles make parasitic infections more likely. For example, if you have an outdoor cat they're more at risk of contracting parasites than if you have an indoor cat. However, it's important to remember that just because your pet doesn't spend time outdoors, it doesn't mean that they are free from the risk of a parasitic infection.
Can I use the same treatment for both fleas and worms?
Some brands of parasite prevention treat both worms and external parasites, including ticks, fleas, and flea eggs. It's essential that you read the information packet that comes with your treatment carefully to ensure that you aren't giving your pet a double dose. If in doubt, always contact your veterinarian for more clarification.
What are the signs that my pet has fleas?
Common signs that your pet has fleas include excessive scratching, visible fleas on your pet's fur, fur loss, and red skin.
Keep in mind that parasites aren't the only cause of itchy skin, so if your pet is up to date on their parasite prevention and is still scratching excessively, you should contact your vet to investigate the underlying cause.
What should I do if my pet has a severe flea infestation?
If your pet has a severe infestation, then it's essential that you contact your vet as soon as possible. Over the counter treatments may not be strong enough to combat the problem, and your pet might need a combination of treatments that use several active ingredients to target the infestation but this treatment plan should be administered by your vet.
How can my pet contract worms?
There are a number of ways that your pet can contract worms, including drinking contaminated water and eating food such as raw meat. The severity of a worm infection can depend on a variety of factors, including your pet's age, their immune system, and how long the problem has been left untreated.
It's not only important to treat your pet for worms to protect their health, but some worms can be transmitted from our pets to us.
Can fleas and worms be a year-round problem?
While many assume that parasites are only a problem in the summer months, your pet can suffer from flea and worm infections all year round. This makes it essential that you keep on top of their treatments, even in the winter.
What other parasites can affect my pet's health?
Aside from fleas and worms, your pets can also be at risk of ticks. Ticks can be particularly dangerous as they can transmit infections such as lyme disease. Luckily, many flea treatments are also tick treatments, but it's important to double check the information leaflet of your parasite prevention product to make sure that your pet is completely covered.