Ticks, fleas and worms

Correct answer: B. Grip it close to the skin with fine tweezers or a tick tool and pull it out steadily

Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it out steadily without squeezing, or twist it out with a tick hook. Oil, alcohol or a flame irritate the tick, which may then pass on more infection, and a flame can burn your dog. Clean the spot with antiseptic, wash your hands, and watch for fever or weakness over the following weeks.

Correct answer: C. Babesiosis (piroplasmosis): it needs urgent care

Babesiosis is caused by a tick-borne parasite that destroys red blood cells, leading to anaemia, fever and dark urine. Without treatment it can become severe quickly. Regular tick prevention and checking the dog after walks lower the risk, since ticks mostly pass on infection hours to days after attaching.

Correct answer: A. In the home: eggs, larvae and pupae in carpets, bedding and cracks

The adult fleas you see on an animal are only a small part of the population. The rest are eggs, larvae and pupae around the home: in carpets, bedding, sofas and cracks in the floor. So treat every pet in the house, vacuum often, wash bedding and use a product that also stops fleas breeding.

Correct answer: D. Tapeworm segments, which the cat gets by swallowing fleas

These are often segments of the tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Animals catch it by swallowing infected fleas while grooming, so a worming tablet alone is not enough: the fleas must be treated too or the infection returns. Occasionally children are infected by swallowing a flea by accident.

Correct answer: B. At least 4 times a year

ESCCAP recommends treating adult animals whose risk has not been assessed at least 4 times a year. Dogs that hunt, eat raw offal or live with children may need more frequent treatment, and puppies and kittens have their own, more frequent schedule. Most worms are not visible in faeces, so looking healthy does not mean worm-free.

Correct answer: C. Worm eggs contaminate soil for years and can infect people, especially children

Eggs of the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) survive in soil for years. A child who plays in sand or grass and puts their hands in their mouth can be infected; the larvae migrate through the body and occasionally damage the eye. Echinococcus eggs are also spread in dog faeces. Picking up and regular deworming reduce the risk.

Correct answer: A. By mosquito bites

Mosquitoes pick up heartworm larvae from an infected dog's blood and pass them to the next dog they bite. Adult Dirofilaria immitis live in the pulmonary arteries and heart and cause coughing, breathing difficulty and heart failure. Prevention is far simpler and safer than treatment; ask your vet about the risk and prevention in your area.

Correct answer: B. No, it doesn't work, and garlic is toxic to dogs

Garlic does not protect against fleas or ticks, and like onion it damages red blood cells in dogs and cats. "Natural" essential oils, such as tea tree oil, can also be poisonous, especially to cats. Use a registered product suited to your pet's species and weight.

Correct answer: D. Every pet in the home, each with a product for its own species, plus the home

Fleas pass easily between animals and most of them live in the environment. Treat one pet and the others remain a source of reinfection. Each animal needs a product for its species and weight: some dog products can kill a cat.

Correct answer: B. Yes, but how often depends on risk: fleas and worm eggs get indoors too

Fleas can arrive on a dog, on people's clothes or with another animal; worms can come from raw meat, from eating flies or other insects, or from the mother. Indoor cats are at lower risk and may need less frequent treatment; agree a schedule with your vet based on the cat's lifestyle.