Parasites are one of the most common health concerns affecting pets across the UK, and while fleas, ticks, and worms are often thought of as seasonal problems, they can affect dogs and cats throughout the entire year. Preventative healthcare plays an important role in keeping pets comfortable, healthy, and protected from avoidable illness. At The Hackney Vet, we regularly speak with owners who are unsure about how often their pet needs flea or worm treatment, whether indoor cats still require protection, or what symptoms they should be looking out for. With the right guidance and a consistent prevention plan, protecting your pet from parasites is usually simple, safe, and highly effective.

The Hackney Vet is an independent veterinary practice based in Lower Clapton, Hackney, founded by local veterinarians Geoff Platt and Jason Stivano. With over 30 years of combined experience, the practice provides compassionate and modern veterinary care for dogs, cats, and small pets across Hackney, Clapton, Dalston, Homerton, and surrounding East London areas.

Why Parasite Prevention Matters

Fleas, ticks, and worms are far more than a simple nuisance for pets. Some parasites can lead to skin irritation, digestive problems, weight loss, anaemia, or more serious illness if left untreated. Certain parasites can also pose risks to humans, particularly young children or vulnerable individuals, making prevention important for the entire household.

Regular parasite prevention helps to:

• Reduce itching and discomfort
• Lower the risk of disease transmission
• Prevent infestations in the home
• Protect other pets in the household
• Support your pet’s long-term health and wellbeing

Many parasites remain active all year round in the UK, particularly in centrally heated homes and during milder winters. Consistent year-round protection is often more effective than treating pets only during warmer months.

Fleas in Dogs and Cats

Fleas are extremely common in both dogs and cats and can spread surprisingly quickly if not treated promptly. A single flea can lay dozens of eggs each day, allowing infestations to develop rapidly within carpets, bedding, and furniture.

Signs of Fleas in Pets

Common signs of fleas in dogs and cats include:

• Persistent scratching or biting at the skin
• Hair loss
• Red or irritated skin
• Small black specks in the coat, often known as flea dirt
• Restlessness or discomfort
• Excessive grooming in cats

Some pets develop flea allergy dermatitis, where even a small number of flea bites can trigger significant irritation and inflammation.

Flea Prevention for Dogs and Cats

Modern flea prevention treatments are safe and highly effective when prescribed appropriately for your pet. Depending on your pet’s needs, prevention may include spot-on treatments, oral medications, or vet-recommended flea collars.

If a flea infestation is already present in the home, household treatment may also be needed alongside treating your pet.

It is important never to use dog flea products on cats, as some ingredients commonly used in dog treatments can be highly toxic to cats.

Many owners are surprised to learn that indoor cats can still get fleas. Fleas may enter the home on clothing, shoes, or visiting animals, meaning even indoor pets may still require regular protection.

At The Hackney Vet, we can help recommend a parasite prevention plan tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health needs.

Ticks: Small Parasites with Potential Health Risks

Ticks are commonly found in grassy parks, woodland, gardens, and outdoor spaces throughout East London and surrounding areas. They attach themselves to pets while feeding and are most commonly seen in dogs after walks outdoors, although outdoor cats can also pick them up.

Tick Symptoms in Dogs and Cats

In many cases, owners notice the tick itself attached to their pet’s skin. Ticks often appear as small grey, brown, or cream bumps.

Other possible signs include:

• Redness or swelling around the bite site
• Irritation or sensitivity
• Lethargy
• Reduced appetite
• Fever in rare cases

Ticks can sometimes carry diseases, making prompt removal important.

Tick Prevention in Pets

Tick prevention is especially important during spring and summer, although ticks may remain active throughout much of the year in the UK.

Helpful preventative measures include:

• Regular tick prevention treatments
• Checking your pet after walks in grassy or wooded areas
• Grooming pets regularly
• Using a proper tick removal tool if you find a tick

Avoid pulling ticks off using fingers or household tweezers where possible, as incorrect removal may leave part of the tick behind.

If you are unsure how to remove a tick safely, our team at The Hackney Vet is always happy to help.

Worms in Dogs and Cats

Several different types of worms can affect pets in the UK, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and lungworm in dogs.

Some worm infections may not cause obvious symptoms initially, which is why routine worming treatment remains an important part of preventative healthcare even in apparently healthy pets.

Common Signs of Worms

Symptoms can vary depending on the type of worm and severity of infection.

Possible signs include:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea
• Weight loss
• A swollen abdomen in puppies or kittens
• Scooting or dragging the bottom along the floor
• Poor coat condition
• Visible worms or worm segments in faeces
• Coughing in some lungworm cases

Young animals are often more vulnerable to complications caused by worms.

Lungworm Awareness for Dog Owners

Lungworm is a potentially serious parasite spread through slugs, snails, and contaminated outdoor surfaces such as water bowls or toys.

Symptoms may include:

• Coughing
• Breathing difficulties
• Lethargy
• Unexplained bleeding
• Reduced appetite

Because symptoms can sometimes appear gradually or seem vague at first, prevention is especially important..

Why Year-Round Parasite Protection Matters

One of the most common misconceptions we hear is that parasite prevention is only needed during warmer weather. In reality, fleas can survive indoors during winter, while ticks and worms may remain active during mild weather conditions throughout the year.

Consistent year-round parasite protection helps:

• Prevent sudden infestations
• Reduce disease risks
• Keep treatment routines simple and reliable
• Protect vulnerable pets and households

Routine preventative care is often easier, safer, and more affordable than treating an established infestation later on.

When Should You Contact a Vet?

We recommend contacting your vet if your pet:

• Is persistently scratching or uncomfortable
• Develops skin irritation or hair loss
• Has vomiting, diarrhoea, or unexplained weight loss
• Appears lethargic or unwell
• Has repeated tick exposure
• Develops coughing or breathing changes​

Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the most serious infectious diseases affecting cats, and kittens are particularly vulnerable. As a cat owner, understanding feline leukaemia in kittens is crucial, not only for your own pet’s health but for the wellbeing of other cats they may come into contact with. Our veterinary team is committed to helping you protect your kitten from this potentially fatal virus. Here’s what every pet parent should know, including symptoms, life expectancy, and the importance of your cat's vaccination schedule.

What Is Feline Leukaemia?
Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that weakens a cat’s immune system and can lead to cancer, blood disorders, and other life-threatening conditions. It spreads through saliva, blood, nasal secretions, and urine or faeces.

Kittens are at a higher risk of Feline Leukaemia
Kittens are especially at risk because their immune systems are still developing. Exposure to FeLV at a young age can lead to a lifelong infection, often with more severe consequences than in adult cats. If your kitten is allowed outdoors, has contact with unvaccinated or stray cats, or was adopted from an unknown background, their risk increases significantly.
The Symptoms of Feline Leukaemia in Kittens
FeLV is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms may not appear immediately. When symptoms do appear, they can be varied and sometimes mistaken for other illnesses. Here are some common feline leukaemia in kittens symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent fever
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pale gums (a sign of anaemia)
• Recurrent infections
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Breathing difficulties

If you notice any of these signs in your kitten, don’t delay, contact our team for testing.

How long can a kitten live with Feline Leukaemia?
There is no single answer, as it depends on the kitten’s immune response and whether they develop a persistent infection. Some kittens can live a few months after diagnosis of FeLV, while others may survive for several years with supportive care. Sadly, many kittens with progressive FeLV infection succumb within 2–3 years of diagnosis. This is why prevention, especially through vaccination, is so important.

Vaccinating against FeLV
The best defence against feline leukaemia is prevention. The FeLV vaccine is safe and effective, especially when given early. At Kitten to Cat, we recommend:

• A blood test to determine if your kitten is FeLV-positive.
• Book your kittens vaccinations at 8–9 weeks of age, followed by a booster 3–4 weeks later.
• Schedule annual vaccination boosters for kittens and cats at ongoing risk, such as those who go outdoors.

Even if your kitten is strictly indoors, consider the vaccine if you have other cats, foster animals, or there’s a chance of outdoor exposure.
When we like to see kittens
We recommend bringing your kitten in as early as 8 weeks old for their first health check and FeLV test. We often combine this visit with their first vaccinations to minimise stress and ensure they're protected right away. Our tailored kitten vaccination plans are based on age, risk factors, and lifestyle. Whether your kitten is a pampered indoor companion or an adventurous explorer, we’ll advise on the best FeLV prevention schedule for them.

​Book your kittens FeLV vaccination today
Feline leukaemia in kittens is serious, but it’s also preventable. By vaccinating early and staying informed, you give your kitten the best chance at a long, healthy life. Whether you need FeLV testing, vaccinations, or expert advice on kitten care, we’re just a call or click away. Call us or book your kitten’s vaccinations online today and protect them from feline leukaemia.

Understanding Kennel Cough in Dogs As a dog owner, keeping your pet healthy is always a top priority. One condition that often takes people by surprise is kennel cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs. With the growing popularity of doggy daycares, boarding kennels, training classes, and playdates at the park, it’s important to understand how kennel cough spreads and what you can do to protect your pup.

What is kennel cough?
Canine kennel cough, officially known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a common upper respiratory infection in dogs. It’s similar to a chest cold in humans and is usually caused by a combination of viruses and bacteria, most notably Bordetella bronchiseptica. Dogs of all breeds and ages can contract it, especially when spending time in close contact with other dogs.

Causes of kennel cough in dogs
The illness is typically caused by a mix of pathogens, including:
 

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterial)
• Canine parainfluenza virus
• Canine adenovirus
• Other airborne viruses and bacteria

These irritate the lining of a dog’s respiratory tract, leading to the characteristic hacking cough.
How does kennel cough spread? Kennel cough is highly contagious, particularly in environments where many dogs gather, such as:
 

• Boarding facilities and kennels
• Doggy daycare
• Grooming salons
• Dog parks
• Training classes and indoor dog events

It spreads through airborne droplets, direct dog-to-dog contact, and contaminated surfaces such as bowls or toys. Dogs may begin showing symptoms 3–10 days after exposure.

Symptoms of kennel cough
Symptoms can range from mild to more severe and may include:

• A dry, hacking cough (sometimes described as honking)
• Gagging or retching
• Sneezing and nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite (in more serious cases)
• Mild fever

While most healthy dogs recover on their own, puppies, elderly dogs, or those with weakened immune systems may develop more serious conditions like pneumonia.

When is kennel cough most common?
Kennel cough can occur year-round but often spikes in autumn and winter, when colder, damper weather and increased use of indoor facilities allow it to spread more easily. It’s also more common during holiday seasons, when dogs are frequently boarded or placed in daycare.
Preventing kennel cough The Bordetella vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of kennel cough. It’s available in three forms:

• Intranasal
• Oral
• Injection

Though not 100% effective (because kennel cough can be caused by multiple pathogens), vaccination greatly lowers the severity and likelihood of infection. Many boarding facilities and daycares require proof of up-to-date vaccines before admitting dogs.

Tips for dog owners
To help protect your dog:

• Keep their vaccinations up to date, especially before daycare, kennels, or frequent group play.
• Avoid close contact with coughing dogs.
• Clean and disinfect bowls, toys, and bedding regularly.
• Choose licensed, well-ventilated kennels and daycares that monitor dog health.
• If your dog shows symptoms, consult your vet and avoid social activities until they’re cleared.

Final thoughts
While kennel cough is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable for your dog and disruptive for you. By staying informed, keeping up with vaccinations, and being mindful about your dog’s social interactions, you can greatly reduce the risk of this common illness. With a few simple precautions, your dog can continue to enjoy playdates, walks, and adventures - happily and cough-free.