Parasitic infections including fleas, ticks, mites, and worms cause significant welfare problems in companion animals that are largely preventable through evidence-based preventive care.
Parasitic infestations cause ongoing discomfort, immune suppression, and in severe cases systemic illness that significantly compromises companion animal welfare. A dog with heavy flea infestation scratches continuously, develops skin damage, and may develop flea allergy dermatitis causing chronic skin inflammation. Mange causes intense itching and progressive skin damage that can be fatal if untreated. Regular preventive care, calibrated to actual parasite risk rather than applied uniformly without indication, offers the best balance between preventing parasite welfare harm and minimising environmental impact from antiparasitic compounds.