March is Parasite Awareness Month, a perfect time to check in on your pet’s parasite protection. Dogs and cats can host a variety of internal and external parasites, some of which may cause serious health issues – while others go unnoticed until they become a bigger problem. 

At St Kitts Vets, we’re raising awareness about parasites and offering pet owners the chance to screen their pets for hidden threats at a special discounted rate this March.

Common parasites that affect pets

Your pet can encounter different types of parasites, which fall into two main categories:

External parasites

These parasites live on the skin and include: 

• Fleas – They cause itching, allergies, and can even transmit tapeworms. 
• Ticks – Known for spreading diseases like Lyme disease.
• Mites – Cause skin infections such as mange.

You may spot fleas and ticks yourself, but mites often require a vet’s diagnosis.

Internal parasites

These parasites live inside the body, often in the intestines, and include: 

• Roundworms – Common in puppies and kittens, sometimes visible in faeces. 
• Tapeworms – Segments may be seen near the tail or in stools. 
• Hookworms & whipworms – Can cause digestive upset and weight loss but are rarely visible. 

Most internal parasites don’t show obvious symptoms, which is why regular worming treatments and screenings are important.

Is your pet’s parasite protection working?

Even if your pet is on a parasite prevention plan, how do you know it’s truly effective? Some parasites, like fleas and ticks, are easy to spot. But internal parasites often go undetected unless their eggs are found in faecal tests. 

That’s why this March, St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney is offering discounted faecal screening for roundworms. This simple test checks for the presence of worm eggs under a microscope, helping to ensure your pet’s worming treatment is doing its job. 

• Usual price: £40.32 
• March price: £20.16 

Understanding your pet’s faecal test results

After your pet’s sample has been tested, results will fall into one of two categories: 

Negative result 

No parasite eggs were detected at the time of testing. However, this does not always mean your pet is completely parasite-free. Some parasites may be present but too young to shed eggs, or the egg count may be too low to detect. Regular testing and parasite prevention remain essential. 

Positive result 

This indicates your pet has a worm burden significant enough to shed detectable eggs. However, if your dog eats faeces (coprophagia), the test may sometimes pick up eggs from another animal rather than your own pet’s infection. If your pet tests positive, we will advise you on the best treatment to clear the infection. 

If you’d like peace of mind about your pet’s parasite protection, book a FREE flea & worm check with one of our vets this month. We’ll discuss the best anti-parasite strategy tailored to your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors. 

Trust St Kitts Vets for expert parasite protection 

At St Kitts Vets, we know how important it is to keep your pet happy and healthy. Parasites can be a hidden threat, but with the right prevention and regular checks, you can protect your pet from discomfort and disease. Our experienced team is here to provide tailored advice and expert care, whether you need a routine parasite check or a personalised prevention plan. 

If you have any concerns about your pet’s parasite protection or would like to book a faecal worm egg screening, contact your nearest St Kitts practice today: 

St Kitts Vets Hartley Wintney: 01252 844044
St Kitts Vets Basingstoke: 01256 844944
Crookham Park Veterinary Centre: 01252 913990
Firgrove Veterinary Centre: 01252 877799