How can I actively participate in heartworm prevention for my dog? Heartworms are potentially deadly parasitic worms that live in the heart. Although most common in dogs, heartworms can infect cats as well. The condition is transmitted from animal to animal through the bites of mosquitoes. Coyotes are a major carrier of heartworm infection in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho.
What is heartworm prevention for dogs?
The good news is that many FDA-approved products prevent heartworm infection in dogs. These products all require a veterinarian’s prescription and come as a topical liquid or as a chewable dose. It’s not uncommon for these prescriptions to also contain other ingredients that are effective in preventing intestinal parasites. Overall, year-round preventive medication is the best and most proven method of heartworm prevention.
Why is heartworm prevention important?
The heartworm’s life cycle goes through many stages within a host’s body tissue before migrating to the heart and lungs. Prescribed medications only kill early-stage larvae. After heartworms grow past this stage, the medicine in heartworm prevention medications is ineffective. This is why it’s important to give your dog heartworm prevention every 30 days. Once your dog is infected, treating the disease is costly and carries its own risks for your dog’s health. There is no effective treatment for heartworm infection in cats.
When should I start heartworm prevention?
You should start heartworm prevention with your puppy as young as possible. The American Heartworm Society recommends starting a puppy on heartworm prevention when they are eight weeks old. Yearly testing is recommended to detect infection as early as possible.
Where to get heartworm prevention?
Let our trained staff at our vet clinic help you prevent this life-threatening disease. If your pet needs heartworm prevention in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital today! Call right away at (505) 898-8874.
Contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital Today
We understand that pet owners want the very best for their companions. That’s why at Petroglyph Animal Hospital, we offer the most comprehensive care in Albuquerque near Rio Rancho. Contact us today to make an appointment!