General information to discuss with your vet, not a diagnosis. If your pet is unwell, contact a vet.
Worms, ticks and fleas are common in Pakistan's warm climate. Some worms can pass to children, and ticks spread serious blood infections in dogs. Regular prevention is simple and much cheaper than treatment. This is general guidance; ask your vet which products and doses suit your pet, and always dose by your pet's current weight.
Deworming schedule
| Age | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 12 weeks (puppies & kittens) | Every 2 weeks | Kittens usually start at 3 weeks |
| 3 to 6 months | Every month | |
| Adults | Every 3 months | Monthly if they hunt, eat raw meat, live with small children or roam outside |
| Pregnant & nursing mothers | As your vet advises | Some dewormers aren't safe in pregnancy |
Deworm new pets as soon as they come home and before their first vaccine visit. If your pet has fleas, it probably has tapeworm too, so treat both.
Ticks and fleas in Pakistan
Ticks and fleas are worst from about March to October, during the hot and humid months, but in many cities they are around all year. Ticks on dogs in Pakistan can spread babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which destroy red blood cells and can be fatal. For most dogs, vets recommend prevention every month all year, or at least through the warm season.
- Check your dog after every walk: ears, between the toes, neck and under the collar.
- Remove a tick by gripping it close to the skin with fine tweezers and pulling straight out slowly. Don't burn it or squeeze its body.
- Treat every pet in the house at the same time, and wash bedding in hot water.
Choosing a product
- Chewable tablets (given monthly or every 3 months): easy, not washed off by baths.
- Spot-on drops on the back of the neck: monthly; avoid bathing for 2 days before and after.
- Collars: long-lasting, but must fit snugly and suit your pet's size.
- Sprays and shampoos: kill what is there today but don't prevent the next ones.
Buy from a clinic or a trusted seller: fake and expired parasite products are a real problem.
Never use dog tick products on cats
Signs to see a vet
- Pale gums, weakness, not eating, fever or red-brown urine after tick exposure.
- Worms in stool or vomit, a pot belly in a puppy or kitten, or weight loss.
- Constant scratching, hair loss or sores.
Questions
How often should I deworm my dog or cat?
Puppies and kittens every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months, then adults every 3 months. Deworm monthly if your pet hunts, eats raw meat, roams outside or lives with small children.
When are ticks worst in Pakistan?
From about March to October, in the hot and humid months, but in many cities ticks are around all year. Most vets recommend tick prevention every month all year for dogs.
Can I use my dog's tick medicine on my cat?
No. Many dog products contain permethrin, which is poisonous to cats. Only use products made for cats, at the dose for your cat's weight.
What diseases do ticks spread to dogs in Pakistan?
Mainly babesiosis and ehrlichiosis, which destroy red blood cells. Signs include pale gums, weakness, fever and not eating; see a vet quickly.
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