Did you know that April is Heartworm Awareness Month? Keeping your beloved canine companion safe from these horrible parasites is very important!What Are Heartworm?
Heartworms are parasites that can infect various mammals, including dogs. While cats can also get heartworms, the worms typically prefer dogs. When a dog is infested, it is typically by worms that are in the larval stage. As the worms grow, they inhabit the dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They can make our canine friends extremely sick! Left untreated, heartworm infestations can even be fatal.
How Are Heartworms Transmitted?
Heartworms are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitos. Fido can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time or any place, even inside your home. It just takes one bite!
What If My Dog Gets Heartworms?
If your furry friend contracts heartworms, you probably won’t see any changes in his behavior at first. As the worms grow, they’ll begin to interfere with Fido’s vital organs. Your furry pal may begin to cough a lot, and may lose his breath easily. As the infestation becomes more severe, so do the symptoms: dogs with more advanced cases may cough blood or faint, and can even have heart attacks.
Can Heartworms Be Treated?
Heartworms are treatable, though the process can be expensive, and isn’t easy on poor Fido. Your pet may have to take strong medicine, and may need to be kenneled during treatment. Since the exact treatment needed will depend on the severity of the infestation, you’ll need to get specific options and recommendations from your vet.
How Can I Keep My Dog Safe?
Fortunately, it’s now very easy to keep Fido safe from these disgusting parasites. Your vet will be able to recommend a heartworm preventative. Just be sure to give your faithful pet the recommended dosage on schedule, and you can keep your canine buddy safe from these dangerous worms. When it comes to pet care, it’s always better to err on the side of caution, so if your pooch is a bit behind on his heartworm medicine, contact your vet right away.
Does your canine pal need parasite control products? Call us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help in any way we can!
Veterinary Care Specialists
205 Rowe Road
Milford, MI 48380
248-684-0468
www.vcsmilford.com