When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook routine pet treatments - especially if your furry friend seems happy and healthy. But when it comes to fleas and worms, prevention is always better (and cheaper!) than cure. Skipping regular parasite protection can lead to serious health issues for your pet - and even for your family.
Here’s why staying on top of flea and worm control is a must.
Fleas: More Than Just a Nuisance
Fleas are tiny, fast, and hard to spot - but they can cause big problems. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, quickly leading to a full-blown infestation in your home.
Even indoor pets aren’t immune. Fleas can hitch a ride on your shoes, your clothing, or other pets and then multiply in warm carpets and bedding.
Common signs of flea issues include:
But some pets can carry fleas with no visible symptoms - making regular treatment essential.
Worms: The Hidden Threat
Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can live inside your pet with few outward signs - until it becomes a serious problem.
Worms can cause:
In young animals, heavy worm burdens can even be life-threatening.
Some parasites (like roundworms and hookworms) can also pose a risk to human health, especially for children. Regular deworming protects your whole household.
How Often Should You Treat?
Treatment schedules vary based on age, lifestyle, and health status—but as a general guide:
There are all-in-one products that cover fleas, worms, and even mites - ask us which is best for your pet.
Myth Buster: "My pet doesn’t have fleas or worms!"
That may be true today, but parasites don’t need an invitation. Waiting until you see signs of infestation often means your pet is already uncomfortable - or worse.
Preventive treatments are safe, affordable, and effective, and far better than dealing with an outbreak in your home or an unwell animal.
Final Word
Parasite prevention isn’t just a seasonal task - it’s a year-round responsibility. By keeping up with regular flea and worm treatments, you’re protecting your pet from unnecessary suffering and ensuring they live a healthy, happy life.
Need advice or a refill on your pet’s parasite treatments? Get in touch with one of our vets or vet nurses today - we’re here to help
If you have an Emergency with your pet during our closed hours please see under Services page for a list Emergency clinics in Auckland:
ARC 8 Hereford St Ponsonby 09 281 5815 or ARC 224 Albany Highway 09 281 5815
VSA 133 Central Park Dr, Henderson 09 320 5645 or Mt Wellington, Corner Hotunui Drive & Te Apunga Place, Sylvia Park, off Carbine Rd 09 320 5645
Western After Hours Vet Clinic Rosebank Rd, Avondale (09) 820 7273
North Shore Veterinary Ellis Road, Glenfield (09) 443-5640
Manukau After Hours Veterinary 15 Jack Conway Ave, Manukau (09) 277 8383
Please do not go to the emergency clinic if it is not urgent/life threatening. (Runny eyes/nose, coughing, limping, itching etc can wait until the morning to be seen by our day vet)
If you are very worried or unsure if you are dealing with an emergency about your pet after clinic hours and you are a client with us you can reach Dr Chris on his emergency phone until 10pm or again from 7am each day.
Dr Chris Laurenson - 027 544 4427
Normanby Road Vet Clinic offers a range of friendly and professional vet services for cats, dogs and other animals. From vaccinations to microchipping and even surgeries, we can help your pets remain happy and healthy. Our clinic is easily accessible from all areas of Auckland.
