Don't forget to keep your dog on heartworm preventive medication ALL YEAR LONG. Not only does this medication prevent heartworm disease, most preventives also prevent intestinal parasites that are a concern all year long. Some intestinal parasites that dogs and cats get are also zoonotic - a potential for transmission from pets to people. Pick up your pet's stool every day.
HEARTWORM DISEASE FACTS
Q: What is heartworm disease?
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A: This disease affects dogs and occurs when an infected mosquito bites your dog. The mosquito passes a very immature stage of the heartworm that then matures into adult male and female worms living inside your dog’s major blood vessels in the lungs and the heart. It takes approximately 6-7 months for the worms to mature. The adult worms cause damage to the blood vessels that can lead to severe lung disease and heart failure.
Q: How can I protect my dog from getting heartworms?
A: You can help protect your dog from developing heartworm disease by giving a heartworm preventive prescribed by your veterinarian. It is important you follow the directions of your veterinarian and the product. Your veterinarian will need to perform a simple blood test before starting your dog on prevention and on a yearly basis thereafter.
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Q: What does the heartworm test look for?
A: The heartworm test is a simple blood test that detects a protein produced by adult female heartworms. This protein is released by the adult female heartworm into the blood stream of the infected animal.
Q: My neighbor’s dog has heartworms. Will he give them to my dog?
A: It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to infect your dog with heartworms. Your neighbor’s heartworm-infected dog is a source of infection for the mosquitoes in your neighborhood. You should make sure you give your dog his heartworm prevention every 30 days or as directed by your vet.
Q: Which heartworm prevention should I choose for my dog?
A: All heartworm preventive products are highly efficacious when given according to their label directions. The best heartworm preventive product for you and your dog is the one you both will be the most compliant with! Talk with your veterinarian about which one is right for you and your dog.
