The importance of year-round flea and roundworm prevention in lockdown and beyond

Abstract

Whether routine preventative deworming regimens for Toxocara spp. in cats and dogs should be used to reduce zoonotic risk, continues to be a subject of much debate. Nurses are on the frontline of giving preventative parasite control advice and it is vital that this is based on the latest evidence to minimise zoonotic risk while ensuring over treatment does not take place. The need for routine year-round flea treatment is also fundamental to parasite control protocols in cats and dogs. The benefits of routine flea treatment need to be considered against the possible environmental impact and drug resistance issues that may be associated with long-term use. Veterinary nurses play a pivotal role in giving accurate parasite control to clients and balancing these factors based on the latest evidence.