Parasite control for working dogs in Australia

Introduction

Working dogs cover ground, meet wildlife, and rest in kennels or utes. That raises parasite risk. A clear schedule plus simple hygiene keeps them comfortable and on the job.

What good control looks like

• Reliable cover for fleas and ticks year-round

• Heartworm prevention with no gaps

• Regular intestinal worming matched to risk and vet advice

• Kennel and vehicle hygiene that supports the plan

Field realities

• Water and weather. Chews suit swimmers and dogs that work in rain.

• Travel. Dose a few days before trips so protection is active. Pack the next dose if you’ll be away when it’s due.

• Kennels and yards. Sweep, hose, and dry runs. Wash bedding hot and dry well.

• Stock and carcasses. Do not feed raw offal. Prevent scavenging.

Monthly vs long-acting

• Monthly chews keep rhythm simple across the team, especially if you align to pay cycle.

• Long-acting flea and tick options reduce the number of applications. Add a mid-cycle reminder in your calendar.

Tapeworm on farms

“Sheep measles” (Taenia ovis) needs a separate praziquantel plan when advised locally. Your vet will set the interval for farm dogs.

Products we trust

• Simparica Trio Chewable Tablet for Dogs — monthly, covers fleas and ticks with heartworm prevention and common intestinal worms when used as directed.

• NexGard Chewables for Dogs — monthly flea and tick control; good for bath and beach routines.

• Bravecto Chew for Dogs — long-acting flea and tick control for fewer applications.

• Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs — on-pet protection if fitted and worn continuously.

Team routine in 5 steps

1. Pick one dose day for the whole team.

2. Add phone reminders and a whiteboard in the gear room.

3. Re-weigh quarterly and record band sizes.

4. Run a quick tick check at knock-off: lips, ears, under collar, between toes, armpits, groin, tail base.

5. Keep kennels dry and bedding washed.

Safety you should always check

• Use the correct weight band and minimum age.

• Do not stack different flea or tick products unless your vet advises.

• Ask your vet before dosing if a dog is injured, unwell, breeding, or on other medicines.

FAQ

What if a handler forgets a dose?
Dose as soon as you notice and reset future reminders from that date. Refresh kennel hygiene for the next two weeks.

Do I need a different plan in tick country?
Keep daily hands-on searches and stay on time with dosing. Consider long grass control around kennels and yards.

Need a farm or service-team protocol you can print and stick on the wall?
Tell us how many dogs you run and your work pattern and we’ll format a simple schedule — contact us.