Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease may
be deadly, but it can easily be prevented with the use of
Interceptor or Trifexis. Ninety-nine percent of our clients use some form
of preventative for their dogs.
Trifexis not only
protects dogs from heartworm, it also gives proven protection
against fleas, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. It is
a flavored chewable tablet that is safe for dogs 8 weeks or
older.
Heartworm larvae are
transmitted by mosquitoes from infected dogs to healthy dogs.
Signs of heartworm infection in dogs include: coughing,
difficulty breathing, sluggishness and reduced ability to
exercise.
We recommend year
round use of the heartworm preventative. A few warm days in
winter can produce mosquitoes, and it only takes ONE mosquito to
infect your dog.
A heartworm test must
be done prior to starting your dog on preventative. All
manufacturers require an annual test in order to honor the
written guarantees on their products.
Cats can also be
affected by heartworm disease. Unfortunately there are few
clinical signs of the disease in the cat. Most often cats
experience sudden death and the infection is diagnosed on an
autopsy (necropsy).
We recommend heartworm
preventative for all cats that go outdoors. There are some very
effective topical heartworm medications for cats.
