The Hidden Dangers of Skipping Parasite Prevention in Pets

Parasite prevention isn’t just about avoiding scratching or nuisance pests — it’s a critical part of protecting your pet’s overall health. Fleas, ticks and internal parasites can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness when prevention is missed or inconsistent.

Fleas: More Than Just an Itch

Fleas are extremely common, especially during warmer months. While many pet owners associate fleas with scratching, the risks go far beyond discomfort.

Fleas can cause:

• Severe itching and skin infections
• Flea allergy dermatitis, which can lead to hair loss, wounds and chronic skin disease
• Tapeworm infections when pets ingest fleas while grooming
• Anaemia, particularly dangerous for puppies, kittens and small pets

A heavy flea infestation can weaken young or elderly pets quickly — and once fleas establish themselves in your home, they can be very difficult to eliminate.

Ticks: Small Parasites, Serious Consequences

Ticks are more than just a local irritation. Certain tick species in South Africa transmit life-threatening diseases.

Tick-related risks include:

• Painful local reactions and skin infections
• Tick bite fever (Ehrlichiosis) — which can cause fever, bleeding disorders, weakness and organ damage
• Babesiosis — a potentially fatal disease affecting red blood cells, leading to severe anaemia

These illnesses often require intensive treatment and hospitalisation. Preventing tick attachment is far safer — and far less costly — than treating tick-borne disease.

Worms: The Invisible Threat

Internal parasites are often overlooked because they’re not always visible, but they pose serious risks to pets and people.

Worm infestations can cause:

• Weight loss and poor growth
• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Pot-bellied appearance in puppies
• Anaemia
• Zoonotic risk — some worms can infect humans, especially children

Worm burdens increase during wet weather, and when new puppies and kittens are introduced into homes. Regular deworming is essential, even for pets that appear healthy.

Why Regular Preventative Treatment Matters

Parasite preventatives such as flea, tick and worm treatments work best when given consistently and correctly. Missing doses allows parasites to return — often unnoticed — until serious illness develops.

Preventative care:

• Protects your pet’s health long-term
• Reduces the risk of expensive emergency treatment
• Helps keep your home and family safe
• Supports healthier skin, coat and immune function

How Different Brands Work

Flea & tick options

Frontline (Fipronil)

• Kills fleas and ticks on contact.
• Applied topically once a month.
• Fast-acting, safe for cats and dogs, widely available.
• Effectiveness decreases with frequent bathing.

Bravecto (Fluralaner)

• Chewable (dogs only) or topical form.
• Lasts up to 12 weeks for fleas and ticks.
• More expensive than monthly treatments

Simparica (Sarolaner)

• Chewable tablet for dogs only.
• Protects against fleas and ticks for one month (Simparica Trio offers comprehensive protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms)

NexGard (Afoxolaner)

• Chewable tablet for dogs only.
• Protects against fleas and ticks for one month

Flea, tick & dewormer combination

NexGard Spectra (Afoxolaner + milbemycin oxime)

• Chewable tablet for dogs only.
• Protects against fleas and ticks as well as worms and heartworm for one month
• More expensive option

NexGard Combo for cats (Esafoxolaner + eprinomectin + praziquantel)

• Topical spot-on treatment for cats
• Provides broad-spectrum protection against both external and internal parasites in one monthly treatment.

Revolution Plus (Selamectin + sarolaner)

• Topical monthly treatment for cats and dogs.
• Protects against fleas, some ticks, heartworm, and certain intestinal parasites.

Advocate (Imidacloprid + moxidectin)

• Topical monthly treatment for cats and dogs.
• Provides comprehensive protection against fleas, heartworm, intestinal worms, ear mites, lice, and mange mites
• Lack of protection against ticks and tapeworms

No One-Size-Fits-All Approach

When it comes to parasite prevention, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — your pet’s lifestyle plays a huge role. 

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, visit dog parks, or interact with other animals are at higher risk of picking up fleas, ticks, and worms. 

Cats that roam freely are more likely to hunt prey and encounter parasites, while indoor-only pets may have a lower risk but aren’t completely immune. 

Household factors also matter: if you have young children, other pets, or live in a region with high tick or flea prevalence, extra vigilance is important. 

Chewables are oral, long-lasting, no-mess, great for swimmers/sensitive skin, while spot-ons are topical liquids applied to the skin, offering broad-spectrum protection, but can wash off or cause skin irritation. 

The best choice depends on your pet’s habits (swimming, skin sensitivity) and your lifestyle, so consult your vet for tailored advice.

We’re Here to Help

Every pet’s needs are different. Our team can help you choose the right parasite prevention plan for your dog or cat based on their age, lifestyle and risk factors.

If you’re unsure whether your pet is fully protected — or if you’ve missed treatments — chat to us. Prevention is always better than cure.