In brief: Parasites can cause serious health problems in your Staffordshire Bull Terrier. A regular prevention program against fleas, ticks and intestinal worms is essential for your dog's health and your family's safety.
External Parasites: Fleas and Ticks
Fleas
Fleas are more than just an annoyance - they can cause:
- Intense itching and skin irritation
- Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
- Tapeworm transmission
- Anemia in severe infestations
Ticks
Ticks are dangerous because they transmit serious diseases:
- Lyme disease (borreliosis)
- Ehrlichiosis
- Babesiosis
- Anaplasmosis
Prevention Products
Options for external parasite prevention include:
- Spot-on treatments: Applied monthly to the skin (e.g., Frontline, Advantix)
- Oral tablets: Monthly or 3-monthly options (e.g., NexGard, Bravecto)
- Collars: Long-lasting protection (e.g., Seresto - up to 8 months)
Internal Parasites: Worms
Common Intestinal Worms
- Roundworms: Very common in puppies
- Tapeworms: Often transmitted by fleas
- Hookworms: Can cause anemia
- Whipworms: Cause diarrhea and weight loss
Heartworm
Heartworm (Dirofilaria) is transmitted by mosquitoes and is potentially fatal. Prevention is essential in endemic areas.
Deworming Schedule
- Puppies: Every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months
- Adults: Every 3-6 months, depending on lifestyle and risk
- Breeding females: Before mating and during pregnancy as advised by vet
💊 Our Protocol
At Del Piccolo Diavolo, all our puppies receive complete deworming before leaving for their new homes. We provide a health booklet with the full treatment schedule and recommend continuing prevention with your veterinarian.
Creating a Prevention Calendar
Work with your vet to create a year-round prevention plan based on:
- Your geographic location and climate
- Your dog's lifestyle (indoor/outdoor, contact with other animals)
- Local parasite prevalence
- Your Staffy's health status