Parasites aren't just an itch — they spread serious diseases too. And because the weather here in Ileia stays mild for most of the year, protection needs to be continuous, not only over the summer months.
External parasites
The most common ones we see are ticks and fleas — and each brings its own trouble:
- Ticks: transmit ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis
- Fleas: itching, allergic dermatitis, even tapeworm
- Sandfly: leishmaniasis (see the dedicated article)
Year-round, not just summer
Our mild winters keep ticks alive. Continuous protection works out cheaper and safer than dealing with a disease down the line.
Internal parasites
Intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, tapeworm) are very common, especially in the young. Plenty of puppies and kittens already have them when they first come to us.
And here's something not everyone knows: some of them spread to people too. So regular deworming protects your family as well.
A protection plan
The trick is to cover both the external and the internal, consistently:
- External: spot-on or collar/tablet every 1–3 months, year-round
- Internal: deworming every 3 months (more often in puppies)
- Sandfly: dedicated protection April–November
What to check at home
Run your hands over your pet now and then, feeling for ticks — ears, neck and between the toes are their favourite spots. If you find one, take it off with the proper tool; not with your nails and not with alcohol, because that does more harm than good.