Is heartworm prevention necessary for your cat or dog?
Is heartworm prevention necessary for your cat or dog? Even if your pet mostly stays at home, you must consider whether heartworm prevention is essential. Some websites seem to suggest that heartworm medicine may be dangerous for dogs. Of course, you will encounter numerous opposing opinions on animal and human medication. This is why you need to do your research before selecting any treatment form for your pet.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is a severe and potentially fatal disease that can result in lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. The condition may even lead to death in many pet types, especially dogs and cats. In addition, a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis provokes heartworm disease.
For instance, a bite from an infected mosquito will spread heartworms, primarily in dogs. When an infected mosquito bites an animal, it will deposit larvae that mature into adults. Also, grown worms mate and reproduce. The offspring lives in the dog’s or cat’s lungs, heart, and other blood vessels. Hence, heartworm disease in the infected host.
Does Your Pet Need Heartworm Prevention?
To answer this question, you must think of your pet’s immune system. When you think about your dog’s health, you probably think about cancer, kennel cough, and parvo. However, depending on their condition, your canine friend’s immune system condition will work as a heartworm prevention.
So, you must ensure that your pet’s immune system can protect them from potential health problems. Otherwise, advanced heartworm disease may have severe consequences. It can also trigger fatal side effects in pets, including chronic cough, lethargy, and a reduced oxygen supply.
Heartworm Disease Prevention
As a compassionate and devoted pet owner, you want to keep your pet friend safe and healthy. Fortunately, heartworm prevention is possible. Consult your veterinarian at Alexander Animal Hospital before giving your dog any heartworm medications. Call us at 410-777-8678 to schedule an appointment!
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!