Veterinarians Near By Me | Preventing Heartworm Disease
Although many people have heard that prevention is better than treatment says veterinarians near by me. Nothing is more true than in the case of heartworm a disease.
The reason why, is because a preventative medicine is extremely inexpensive. As well as extremely easy to administer. Either through an oral chew. Or a topical medicine to apply directly on to the animals fur.
The oral medication is great for most dogs. Because they typically enjoy getting treats. But in some cases can cause gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Which is why it is very beneficial to have a topical medicine as well. And this is also the preferred method for treating cats for heartworm disease.
Not only that, but the medicine that treats heartworm disease. Is very inexpensive. And depending on the size of the animal. Can cost anywhere between $40 a year. Or $80 a year.
Not only that, but heartworm disease is actually on the rise. With 22% more cases of being diagnosed in 2016 over 2013. According to a study done by the triannual heartworm society.
It is veterinarians near by me best advice. To encourage as many pet owners as possible. To get the preventative medicine early. And not skip a month. So that they can provide consistent protection for their animal.
How this medicine works, is by killing any heartworm larva. That might enter a dog or cat’s bloodstream. Through the bite of an infected mosquito.
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The medicine can ensure that if an animal has been bitten within the last 2 months. That the medicine will kill the larva, before they grow too large and become too strong.
If an animal has been infected for longer than 2 months. The medication will not be effective at preventing heartworm disease.
Pet owners should visit veterinarians near by me. In order to get tested for heartworm parasites. Before they undergo preventative medicine.
Because if they have heartworm’s, they will want to undergo treatment right away. To catch them while they are still young and probably have not procreated that much.
It is very important for pet owners to know that heartworm can live up to 7 years per parasite in a dog. In up to 3 years in a cat. Before they die. However, it is also important for pet owners to know.
That during a heartworm’s lifespan. They can procreate hundreds of times. Meaning it is not uncommon for a pet who has heartworm to have several hundred infecting them at one time.
If a pet owner waits until there pet has started exhibiting symptoms. This means that there are so many heart worms in the pets lungs and heart. That it is starting to affect the organs ability to do its job. And the pet is already at risk.
By going to the veterinarian on a regular basis. Pet owners can ensure that they do not and up finding out too late that their pet has this disease, that is completely preventable.
Veterinarians Near By Me | Preventing Heartworm Disease
It is very important for pet owners to understand exactly how the cycle of heartworm disease works says veterinarians near by me. And how pet owners can break that cycle.
The one and only way for dogs or cats to get heartworm. Is to be bitten by an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can often carry dirofilaria. Which is the larva of a heartworm.
As they bite their victim, they will leave behind the larva in the pets bloodstream. Where will then be free to grow into an adult heartworm.
Once they mature, they will start looking for place inside the pets body to attach. And start procreating. And typically choose the pets heart, or lungs. Simply because it is easy to get into those organs.
A single heartworm can live 5 to 7 years in dogs. And 2 to 3 years in cats. Meaning as they procreate, they can generate more and more heartworm’s, that can infect the heart and lungs of a dog and cats.
However, pet owners should also take into consideration. That according to veterinarians near by me, dogs are far more susceptible to heartworm disease than cats.
And while cats can develop this disease. They are considered atypical of the type of pet that usually gets infected with heartworm.
If a pet owner wants to know if there pet has heartworm disease. They should go to veterinarians near by me in order to get a test. The reason why, is because the animal can very well be infected for years before they start showing signs.
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The blood test is simple and easy. Only requiring 3 drops of blood. And for dogs, veterinarians near by me will look for antigens that are released by adult female heartworm parasites. They get released into the animals bloodstream.
In cats however, pet owners need to understand. That the veterinarian will look for an antibody in the cat’s blood. An antibody is a chemical reaction a body produces. In response to having something foreign in their body. Such as heartworm larva in their blood.
The veterinarian can carry out this blood test and find the results within the same appointment. To give people peace of mind if their dog or cat does not have this disease.
If a pet does not have heartworm disease. People should start a course of medication immediately as a preventative measure. So that they do not have to ever worry about their pet contracting this disease.
However, if a pet owner does find that their pet has tested positive for heartworm. They can be a little reassured. That they found out early. Before their pet started exhibiting symptoms.
Because once a pet starts exhibiting symptoms. Organ failure and death is not too far away. And if pet owners are discovering that their pet has symptoms of heartworm disease.
Such as being lethargic, difficulty breathing and coughing. They should get there animal to a veterinarian right away to get a proper diagnosis.