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Q Why do I need to know about canine heartworm?
A Heartworm infection is found in dogs in all 50 states. Heartworm surveys continue to report increasing prevalence of infection among unprotected dogs—those not receiving preventative medication. Once heartworm becomes established in a locality, it's there to stay. It's spread by feeding mosquitoes, and no dog is immune. From tiny poodles, to shaggy shepherds, all it takes is one bite from an infected mosquito. Left untreated, heartworms will eventually cause heart and lung failure, and death.
Q Is there any way to prevent heart worms?
A YES! Recent advances in medications have given us several excellent preventative medications that have to be given only once a month. No more daily pilling or nasty-tasting liquids. An added advantage to the product, Heartgard, is that it not only prevents heartworms, but also controls three kinds of intestinal parasites (worms): hook-whip-and roundworms.
Q What's the scoop on giving medication year round?
A For pet owners south of Ohio, giving preventative medication year round is a given. Their winters are just not severe enough to eliminate the mosquitoes, even for a few months. Lately, with our unpredictable winters here in Virginia, increasingly our clients have reported seeing mosquitoes very late and very early in the season. This makes it hard to determine when to start and when to stop. Pets that travel south in the winter need protection, too. Some people have had a hard time remembering to give preventative for nine months, then stop for three, then start up again. For these reasons, most veterinarians in our area are recommending that dog owners consider giving preventative medication year round. We are also recommending that dog owners consider using the Heartgard product because of its broad protective abilities. Think of it as a year-round insurance policy against heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms.
Q Why is a blood test required every year? I gave Rover all of his pills.
A There are a number of good reasons to do a blood test. First, unfortunately, not all pet owners remember to give medication when scheduled. If you were using a daily pill product, missing only two days of medication leaves your pet unprotected. Second, some dogs are very clever about spitting out pills. We heard a report of a family who, while moving, discovered a whole summer of heartworm prevention pills deposited behind the sofa. Third, some animals (like people) respond differently to medications and do not receive preventative effects intended. Fourth, if medication is given to an animal that is heartworm positive, serious side effects -even death- could result. Because of the potential life-threatening reactions, it would be negligent to prescribe this medication without an annual blood test.
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