By Charlotte Castle of Bishopton Vets
Bishopton Vets has become one of the first veterinary practices in the country to offer annual faecal parasite screening as a standard part of its Lifetime Care Club monthly healthcare plan, available to all cat and dog members.
A smarter approach to worming
Traditionally, pets have been dewormed on a fixed schedule, regardless of whether they actually have worms. While this made sense when testing was harder to access than treating, leading parasite experts now recommend a more tailored approach – basing worming frequency on each pet’s individual risk, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
By combining faecal screening with a risk assessment questionnaire, the practice says it can ensure pets receive treatment matched to their actual risk and infection status, better protect owners and families from parasites that can pass from animals to people, and reduce unnecessary use of parasite treatments in the environment.
The new screening detects parasite-specific antigens rather than relying solely on the detection of worm eggs, meaning infections can be caught earlier – even in pets showing no obvious symptoms.
How the scheme works
Around four weeks before a pet’s annual vaccination is due, owners will receive a reminder to book their appointment, along with a faecal test kit delivered to their home.
Owners register their pet via the Petpoint Health app, collect a small sample using the tube provided, and post it back using a prepaid envelope. The sample is then analysed in a laboratory, with results sent to the veterinary team ahead of the vaccination appointment.
The test screens for a range of intestinal parasites, including roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, cystoisospora, and flea tapeworm, with further tapeworm species set to be added soon. Owners are also asked to complete a parasite risk assessment questionnaire to help build a fuller picture of their pet’s lifestyle and potential exposure.
Tailored results and advice
At the vaccination appointment, vets will then review both the questionnaire and test results with the owner, allowing them to put together a prevention plan suited to each pet’s individual needs.
Visit www.bishoptonvets.co.uk/pets/branches-north-yorkshire to learn more about Bishopton Vets, see the services on offer, book your appointment, or find your nearest branch.
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