Ticks, Fleas, Ear Mites and Worms

Ticks:

Very common in Saudi. Dogs (rarely cats) will pick them up very easily. They latch on as very small insects, suck the blood, engorge to the size of a baked bean then drop off. Whilst on the animal, mating takes place. The engorged insect is a pregnant female who will produce hundreds of new ticks! These ticks will live happily anywhere-- in your garden or even in your house. Once in, they are a nightmare to eliminate. If you find ticks on your dog (often acquired after a trip to the beach or desert, get them off before you get home!)

Call us for advice on removal. Ticks can carry a serious disease - TICK FEVER. Rarely seen, but it's here. It is an acute disease but treatable Fleas:

A problem here as in all countries. With the new medicines on the market fleas are not the problem they used to be. We stock the necessary medication. Ear mites: Very common in feral cats. If you adopt a feral kitten it is very likely to be infected (also likely to have, ringworm and, for sure, intestinal worms.) Get any new acquisition checked out!

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Your imported cat, if in contact with feral animals is vulnerable to the above infections. All treatable, (nothing serious)

Worms:

Cats and dogs are liable to pick up the same worms encountered in other countries. Regular de-worming is recommended.

In addition cats pick up a tapeworm which shows as little pin-head sized round balls. These are the mature tapeworm segments from a worm the cats get by eating geckos (the little lizards which run up and down house walls at night eating mosquitoes).

Both the lizard + worms are harmless. We stock the treatment for the cat.

Compared with many (most) other parts of the world, Saudi Arabia is a very safe environment for your cat or dog.

Beyond the common internationally found diseases which your pet should be already vaccinated against.

There are few diseases of any major significance encountered in the Kingdom.

There are however, some minor problems perhaps alien to urbanite expatriates.

Saudi is a very safe place for your pet. They may however surprise you by acquiring a few things new to your experience if you have come from a clean urban environment.

In Saudi there is a very large feral population of cats which carry numerous conditions. While some owners chose to keep their cats strictly house-bound most people allow their cats the freedom of their compound or villa - in which case they will inevitably come in contact with the local ruffians.

Feral dogs are not common in Saudi. Saudi attitude towards dogs , a pet dog must be kept close at all times - domestic dogs cannot have the luxury of "roaming " in this country.

A loose dog is liable to be killed , or more commonly stolen and sold. (because of the relative shortage of dogs a pedigree animal is a very saleable item!