Heartworm Disease Prevention

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bite, and as we all know, the mosquito   population increases significantly during the warmer months.

Areas that contain or are near any type of standing water (even a rain puddle or a bird fountain) are also more likely to create an ideal environment for mosquitos to thrive. 

It takes a number of years before a dog will show outward signs if infected with heartworm disease, but by then it may be too late.

If infected, treatment is available for heartworm disease in dogs, however it is much more costly and dangerous to the pet than initial prevention. 

Step 1: Testing

A heartworm test is not necessary for your puppy to start on heartworm prevention. The American Heartworm Society recommends that puppies be started on a heartworm   preventive by 8 weeks of age.

All pets over the age of 6 months must test negative for heartworms before any prevention can be prescribed. This test can be performed with a small sample of blood taken by a veterinary technician and must be updated every 1-2 years. If the test is negative, your veterinarian can then prescribe a preventative.
 

Step 2: Prevention
Although mosquitos don’t typically stick around in our climate during the colder months, it is a good idea to keep your pet on heartworm prevention year-round.  

Heartworms are found in the heart and large adjacent vessels. The female worm is between 6”-14” long and 1/8” wide while the male is about half of that size. One dog could be infected with as many as 300 worms at one time.

If a dog is infected with heartworms, it takes a number of years before they show any outward signs. Once they begin, symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and a   decreased energy level.

Westside Veterinary Clinic offers Heartgard, a tasty, once a month chewable that prevents heartworm disease and intestinal worms. We also offer Simparica Trio; a once a month chewable that prevents heartworm disease as well as fleas, ticks, hookworms, and roundworms. Another option at Westside is ProHeart 12; an annual injectable form of heartworm prevention that is given like a vaccine. Talk to your veterinarian about which choice is right for you and your pet! 

Visit www.heartwormsociety.org. This is the global resource for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heartworm disease as provided by The American Heartworm Society. This organization stimulates and financially supports research and development to   further knowledge and understanding of the disease.