What is dog heartworm?
Heartworm is a very serious and sometimes deadly disease which is transmitted by mosquito bites most commonly. All the dogs should be prevented against this disease by taking a once-a-month medication from June to November each year.
The moment heartworm-transmitting mosquitoes bite your dog, the larvae will be transferred into its bloodstream. It will incubate there for several days. That’s the on-start of the disease. If left ignored, the parasites will eventually cause your pet a lot of harm. As such, it should be treated right away.
How do I prevent my dog from getting Heartworm?
Heartworm in dogs is a type of disease that can easily be prevented. However, it can be very challenging to treat. The good news is that this disease is rather seasonal so it is much easier for pet owners to protect their dogs from it. Before starting the heartworm prevention, it is necessary to take a small blood sample, ensuring there is no adult worm in the heart. The name of the test is “heartworm test”.
There are preventives in the form of injections and oral medicines. The injection is usually given to the dog on a monthly basis, quite diligently during the heartworm peak season. Examples of such vaccines are Ivermectin, Milbemycin, Lufenuron, and Selamectin. Talk to your vet as to how your dog can use these medicines to keep heartworm away from their system.
At Vellore Village Pet Hospital we can arrange a time at your convenience to perform a heartworm test and then provide heartworm prevention medication and treatment for dogs and cats.
Please call us to arrange a heartworm check up: 905 303 0322.