In order to help keep infestations at bay, the following advice can be passed onto customers:

• Parasiticides need to be reapplied regularly – usually every four weeks for flea treatment and every three months for worming products
• Regular preventative treatment is better than waiting for an infestation to occur
• Effective flea treatment also needs good control measures in the home, such as regular vacuuming and washing of a pet’s bedding or use of home sprays
• Check pets regularly for any signs of ticks and fleas
• Text reminders, notes in a diary/calendar or setting alarms on a mobile phone can help people keep track of when the next application/dose is due.

In addition, advise customers how to use the particular product and refer them to the enclosed leaflet, and check their understanding and inform them of any particular warnings.

Treatment options

It is better to regularly treat pets with appropriate parasiticides to prevent an infection, than to wait for an infestation. Such products can be purchased from pharmacies.