Last Updated: 03/11/2026
Your Guide to Flea, Tick and Worming for Dogs
Fleas, ticks, and worms pose serious risks to your dog. Our vet-approved guide explains how to identify these nasty pests and compares the best preventative products available. Find the right solution to keep your dog protected.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 6 minutes - short read
One of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership is parasite prevention. Fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms can cause very serious illnesses and, in some cases, even death. Thankfully they are completely preventable!
Our Vet Squad, have put together a guide to help you identify these nasty pests, recognise the symptoms, and see which preventatives are best suited to your dog. In the case of parasites, prevention is always better than the cure!
In this article
Ticks on Dogs
Ticks are one of the biggest parasite risks for Aussie dogs, especially along the east coast. Three main species affect dogs: the paralysis tick, brown dog tick and bush tick. Bush ticks are mostly just an irritation and generally not life threatening. Brown dog ticks can spread Ehrlichiosis, which was initially identified in WA and NT in 2020 but is spreading to other parts of Australia. The paralysis tick is the one to take most seriously, because its toxin can cause life-threatening tick paralysis.
Early signs of tick paralysis include a change in bark, wobbly back legs and reluctance to move. If you spot these, or find a tick on your dog, get to a vet straight away.
The best protection is year-round prevention plus a quick tick check after walks. For dogs on the east coast, we recommend an isoxazoline product like Simparica Trio, Nexgard Spectra or Bravecto. In brown dog tick areas, add a Seresto collar.
Important safety note on Isoxazolines: While isoxazoline-based products (Simparica, Nexgard, Bravecto, etc.) are highly effective and safe for the vast majority of dogs, this class of drug has been associated with very rare, potential neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia (loss of coordination), and seizures. If your dog has a history of seizures or epilepsy, please consult your veterinarian before using these products. For more information, please see our guide on Isoxazolines and Seizures.
Want the full rundown on tick types, safe removal, paralysis signs and prevention? Read our complete guide: Ticks on Dogs: A Complete Vet Guide.
Recommended Tick Preventatives
Fleas on Dogs
Fleas are small, wingless, bloodsucking insects that live on your dog's body and lay eggs in the surrounding environment. There are four life stages of a flea: egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Of all these phases, only the adult phase occurs on the host (your dog!). Eggs are laid in the environment - particularly in soft warm fabric such as carpets, pet beds, and blankets. That is why it is so hard to get rid of fleas: a new wave of juvenile fleas can emerge after you've killed the initial population with a flea treatment.
Despite your best efforts, your dog may become infested with fleas through contact with other animals, or fleas that are roaming around in the environment. It's not always easy to spot fleas in your dog's fur, as they are swift and expert hiders! The best places to spot live fleas are usually over the rump or base of the tail in dogs. You may never actually see live fleas - instead, something to look for is flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea faeces, or digested blood (Yuck!).
For more info about fleas, see our articles all about Fleas on Dogs and How to Treat a Dog with Fleas.
Recommended Flea Preventatives
Heartworm in Dogs
Heartworm is a blood parasite transmitted via mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects baby heartworm larvae, known as microfilaria into their blood. These microfilariae make their way to the heart, where they mature and grow into adult heartworm.
This insect-borne method of spreading is the reason why heartworm is more prevalent in tropical and warmer environments: more mosquitoes equals, more heartworm. Unfortunately, this also means that indoor-only animals are still at risk of catching heartworm, as mosquitoes can easily find their way inside. Symptoms can take months to appear and if left untreated, can be life threatening. Even the treatment of heartworm is very difficult and dangerous. Fortunately, heartworm is incredibly easy to prevent.
If your dog's heartworm treatment has lapsed or their preventative history is unclear, then a heartworm snap test with your veterinarian is required prior to starting on any prevention. This test is quick, easy and only requires a drop of dog blood, and your veterinarian is able to determine if your pet has been infected. It can be dangerous to start on heartworm prevention without first getting a negative heartworm test. If your dog has signs of heartworm disease, then an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible is recommended.
Signs of Heartworm Infection:
- Chronic cough
- Exercise intolerance
- Weakness
- Collapse
Along with monthly heartworm preventatives, there is also an annual Proheart Injection available from your local veterinarian.
For more information read our veterinary written articles Heartworm Facts Every Pet Owner Should Know, and How to Choose the Best Heartworm Treatment.
Products that prevent heartworm
Intestinal Worms in Dogs
Intestinal worms range from small, microscopic strongyles to foot-long, squirmy tapeworms. Your dog may contract worms by encountering other infected animals, drinking contaminated water or eating food that contains a worm parasite.
Contrary to popular belief, an itchy bottom is not a common sign of worm infestation. Scooting or an itchy bottom is more likely caused by Anal Gland Issues or a skin allergy.
How To Tell If Your Dog Has Worms:
- Diarrhoea (sometimes with blood)
- Worms visible in stool or around anus
- Weight loss
- Distended (pot-bellied) Tummy
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Anaemia
What about hydatid tapeworm?
In dogs, there are several species of tapeworm. Tapeworm is large and more difficult to kill than smaller worm species, requiring a specific medication called Praziquantel. Many broad spectrum preventatives do not include coverage for tapeworms.
The tapeworm of most concern is the hydatid tapeworm. Dogs aquire hydatid tapeworms from feeding on infested animal carcasses or being fed contaminated raw meat or offal. Dogs with hydatid tapeworm can transmit hydatids to humans which can result in serious illness. This means that regular deworming with a tapewormer effective against hydatids is key for dogs in rural areas or likely to come in contact with contaminated meat or carcasses. Worming tablets and chews which cover hydatid tapeworm in dogs include Drontal, Milbemax, Endogard and Paragard.
Dogs in urban areas who are not fed any raw meat or offal are at a very low risk of picking up hydatid tapeworms, so many pet parents opt to leave out hydatid coverage. Speak with your veterinarian about whether they recommend including coverage for hydatid tapeworm in your dog's parasite prevention program.
The selected products below kill all important worm species, including hydatid tapeworm.
For more information, read about Tapeworms in Dogs, and all about Worms in Dogs.
Mites
Mites are rare and usually only occur in juvenile or immunocompromised pets (ie, dogs with skin allergies). Mites of concern in Australia include the skin mite Demodex and ear mite Otodectes. Sarcoptes (scabies) is another mite that may be found in some parts of Australia but is comparatively rare.
Demodex causes patchy hair loss, particularly over the forehead or eyelids. It is mostly seen in warmer areas of Australia. Demodex usually only affects puppies and dogs with hormonal conditions (such as hypothyroidism), or skin allergies. It is particularly common in Staffie breeds, due to their predisposition to skin allergies.
Otodectes (Ear Mites) cause intense itchiness in the ears, and may lead to a brown, crusty discharge. It is commonly seen in puppies and kittens.
Products that prevent mites
Should I choose a topical or oral flea and tick treatment for my dog?
Topical treatments
'Topical' refers to 'spot on' treatments - or anything that is applied externally on your dog.
Pros
- Easier to apply in dogs who can't be tableted or won't eat chewables
- Some brands do not enter the bloodstream
Cons
- Most lose effectiveness if your pet gets wet within 48 hours of application
- Typically older drugs which may have reduced effectiveness in high risk flea and tick areas (apart from Bravecto)
- Open to human error - the full tube must be applied in contact with the skin (not on top of the outer fur layer)
- Some treatments leave a chemical smell on your dog's fur
Oral treatments
'Oral' refers to chewables or tablets, which are given internally via your dog's mouth.
Pros
- Won't be affected by bathing or swimming as it can't wash off.
- Most are modern drugs that are the most effective options available.
Cons
- Can be difficult to administer if your dog does not like tablets or chewables.
- Some dogs may vomit medication up after administration.
Ultimately, safeguarding your dog from parasites is one of the most critical aspects of their healthcare. As this guide shows, pests like fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms pose serious health risks that are completely avoidable with the right preventative measures.
A proactive approach is always better than a reactive cure. If you're unsure which specific products to choose, our Which Flea, Tick and Worming Product Does Your Dog Need? guide compares all the major options side by side. Consulting with our Vet Squad or your veterinarian will help you create a tailored protection plan. And if you're ever concerned about how your dog has reacted to a treatment, our Adverse Reactions to Flea, Tick & Worming Products guide has you covered.
Articles recommended for you
Protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and worms with our comprehensive guide. Our vets compare the best monthly and long-lasting treatments available in Australia.
Find when to worm and which treatment to use according to our vets.
Are isoxazoline flea and tick products safe? Our vet guide explores the link between products like Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica and neurological issues, helping you weigh the risks and benefits for your pet's protection.
Interested in knowing more about tick paralysis in dogs and cats? Read more about preventatives and what to do if you find a tick on your pet.
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Tue 23 Jun 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
