The Co-operative Pharmacy: Helping you to keep your pets healthy
We understand that your pets are part of your family and that looking after their health is important to you. With that in mind, The Co-operative Pharmacy stocks a range of pet healthcare products, including:
- Flea and tick regimes
- Household flea sprays
- Worming regimes
- Eye care
- Ear care
- Digestion aids
- Shampoos
If you would like to speak to someone face to face about any of this medication then you can pop into one of our branches for a chat with a member of our pharmacy team. If you have any concerns about the health of your pet, you should seek advice from your veterinary practice.
Here are some tips on what to look out for to help prevent and eliminate fleas and ticks:
Fleas
Flea infestation is one of the most common health problems in household pets and almost every cat and dog will become infested with fleas at some time during their life.
Where can they be caught?
Fleas can easily be picked up from external infested environments such as parks and gardens. What's more, our centrally heated homes provide the perfect environment for fleas to survive all year long.
When can they be caught?
It is generally accepted that the main flea season runs from the end of April through to November, but fleas can breed throughout the year due in the home. Central heating and carpets provide a perfect breeding environment.
What to look out for
Fleas can cause:
- Itching/biting (especially around the tail, groin or backside area)
- Licking
- Red and inflamed skin
- Anaemia (pale gums, weakness and lethargy)
Many people do not realise that the fleas seen on their pets are only part of the problem. A high percentage are found in the pets’ environment at various stages of development, as eggs, larvae and pupae.
What you can do to help prevent or treat them
To help prevent and treat fleas The Co-operative Pharmacy has a range of medicines available. Why not come into your local branch and speak to a member of our Pharmacy team about suitable treatments?
It is also a good idea to treat the environment with an effective household spray containing an IGR (insect growth regulator) to stop the development of the eggs and larvae. Regular vacuuming and washing of pets’ bedding will also help eliminate these immature stages. Particular attention should be paid to areas where your pet spends a lot of time.
Ticks
Ticks are tiny and sometimes hard to see. They attach themselves to your pet and feed until they are gorged with blood. Ticks can carry diseases that may cause serious health problems for both pets and humans, so it's a good idea to be vigilant.
Where can they be caught?
In areas of woodlands, gardens, parks and kennels.
When can they be caught?
Traditionally there are two main peaks – spring and autumn - but ticks can be a problem throughout the whole of the summer depending on the temperature.
What to look out for
The earlier you detect a tick bite on your pet the better. Here are some warning signs:
- Fever
- Lameness
- Loss of appetite
- Arthritis or swelling of joints
- Lethargy
- Cough
What you can do to prevent or treat them
Start at home by removing all tick habitats from your garden. Keep your grass short and remove any mulch or excess leaves from your garden. Examine your pets regularly especially around their head, neck and paws.
To help prevention and to treat ticks The Co-operative Pharmacy has a range of suitable medicines. Please pop into your local branch for more information.
