Companion Animal Parasites

Parasite conversations happen every day in veterinary practice — from itchy pets and coughing dogs to worried owners asking, “Do they really need this treatment?” This engaging CPD course is designed to help veterinary care teams answer those questions with clarity, confidence, and professionalism, whilst remaining in your remit.

Focusing on the parasites commonly seen in UK companion animals, this course explains what parasites do, how they spread, and why prevention is so important. Learners will explore both internal and external parasites, gaining a practical understanding of parasite lifecycles, environmental contamination, and year-round parasite control, without needing clinical training.

Strong emphasis is placed on helping learners translate complex parasite information into calm, reassuring, client-friendly conversations that support veterinary advice and build trust.

• Feel confident handling parasite-related questions 
• Understand why different parasite treatments are recommended
• Support consistent messaging across the veterinary team
• Improve client trust and compliance with preventative care
• Strengthen your role in protecting animal welfare and public health

• Fleas and managing household infestations
• Ticks and the risks of tick-borne disease
• Internal parasites, including roundworm, lungworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm
• Mites and lice
• Parasite considerations for rabbits
• Parasite risks when pets travel abroad
• Practical tips for effective client conversations

This course is ideal for veterinary receptionists, client care advisors, animal care assistants, animal carers, and support staff who want to feel more knowledgeable, more confident, and more valued in their role. Those doing this course may also be interested in our other Veterinary Care Courses. 

Invest in your confidence, strengthen your client communication skills, and play an active role in parasite prevention — one of the most important aspects of everyday veterinary care.