Companion Animals

Companion Dog Flea and Tick Control Welfare

Appropriate parasite control in dogs and welfare implications of ectoparasite burden.

Key Facts

Flea infestation causes severe pruritus and can cause anaemia in young or small dogs
Tick-borne diseases including Lyme disease and babesiosis cause serious welfare problems
Monthly spot-on treatments effectively prevent flea and tick infestations
Environmental flea control treats the household where 95% of flea life cycle occurs
Responsible parasite control uses targeted treatments rather than prophylactic over-treatment

Welfare Considerations

Flea and tick infestations cause significant welfare harm through pruritus and disease transmission, and targeted parasite control delivers welfare benefits while reducing unnecessary chemical exposure.

What You Can Do

Treat your dog with appropriate veterinary-recommended parasite control
Treat the home environment to eliminate flea populations from carpets and bedding
Check dogs for ticks after walks in rural areas and remove promptly