Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

01 April 2026

4-minute read

Pets add value to the lives of many people in terms of mental health, giving a person companionship and making you more active, as well as helping you to interact with others and socialise.

While pets are a pleasure to have, the very real threat of parasites, albeit hidden, is a very real threat that affects not only our pets, but our entire households. Parasites may be small and often unseen, but their impact can be significant, ranging from discomfort and illness in animals to potential health risks for humans as well. As pet owners, we make sure our pets are fed, loved and cared for, but parasite prevention is one area that is often overlooked, especially when there are no obvious signs.

Dr Tarryn Dent, a veterinarian and Business Unit Director for Companion Animals, shares professional insight and practical advice on how to better protect our pets, have a better quality of life, and improve the general health of these creatures that are a part of our families.

Educating people on pet care is key, she states, to improving the welfare of animals. Dr Dent also highlights that prevention is not a one size fits all solution. Each pet has different needs depending on their environment, age and lifestyle, so new pet owners should work closely with vets to learn things that can help them take better care of their pets in terms of food, environment, deworming, and vaccinations. This can help tailor a plan that is both effective and sustainable for pets and pet owners.

For young people, especially children who love and care for animals, Dr Tarryn suggests considering a career in veterinary science or animal health, as it can add purpose to their lives and to their value as people. Veterinary science is a very difficult degree, and apart from a passion for animals, a curious mind, sound mental health and perception towards these creatures are also a requirements, as pets cannot tell you when something is wrong.

Parasites are more common than we think. Even pets living in clean homes or urban areas are at risk through everyday activities like playing in the garden, interacting with other animals or simply being outdoors. And once parasites take hold, they can multiply rapidly, making early prevention far easier than treatment. A proactive or preventive approach is essential when it comes to parasites and pets. Dr Dent explains that parasites within the environment may not be visible or noticeable. They can cause symptoms like itching from external parasites or digestive issues from internal ones. These often go undetected, quietly affecting your pet’s health over time.

Pets who don’t leave the house are not as exposed to parasites as those who do. Ticks, fleas and worms are the most common parasites and can easily affect pets like cats and dogs, as can interacting with other animals. Parasite control is not seasonal. While many people become more cautious during warmer months, the reality is that parasites can pose a risk throughout the year. A consistent, proactive approach like regularly picking up faeces, cleaning litter trays and boxes, and washing bedding is needed to ensure ongoing protection.

Pets can pose a health risk to their owners, especially younger kids and older people within the home. Pet owners should be aware of the guidelines for treating and deworming pets. There are a variety of over-the-counter products to treat both internal and external parasites. Dr Tarryn advises pet owners to take their pets to a veterinarian once a year for a health or wellness check in order to “stay on top of the risk” factors.

Ultimately, this discussion is about awareness, responsibility and taking simple but meaningful steps to protect our pets. Because when we safeguard their health, we are also protecting the wellbeing of our families and communities.

Listen to the full program with Faaiza Munshi and Dr Tarryn Dent here.