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Heartworm disease is a very serious problem, especially here in the South where we have year-round mosquitoes. Heartworms interfere with blood flow thru the heart and if left untreated, can significantly reduce your dog's quality of life. The disease can cause congestive failure of the heart and other organs, and ultimately can lead to death.
The most common signs of Heartworm disease are listlessness, exercise intolerance and coughing. In advanced cases we see congestive heart failure and complications develop in the liver and kidneys.
The good news is that Heartworms can be easily prevented. We have available both daily and monthly preventative medicines. These medications also protect your dog from the common intestinal worms such as roundworms and hookworms. All puppies should be started on Heartworm prevention between 8-10 weeks of age. All adult dogs should be tested prior to starting prevention and annually thereafter.
Heartworm testing is an in-house procedure involving the taking of a small blood sample. Results are available in as little as 5 minutes.
Please protect your dog from this devastating disease!
Heartworm disease in cats does exist! Though not as common as in dogs, recent studies have shown incidence rates as high as fifteen percent in outdoor cats in the South. There is preventative medicine available for cats. If you have any questions please feel free to ask us about it.
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