Veterinarians Near By Me | Treating Heartworm Disease
Even though heartworm is extremely serious according to veterinarians near by me. It is completely preventable. As long as pet owners know what to do.
Heartworm is a parasite that lives in the organs of affected animals. The only way that it is spread is through infected mosquitoes.
Therefore, it is extremely common in areas where there are a lot of mosquitoes. Or where the climate is warm year-round.
According to the try annual heartworm societies survey. The average number of dogs being diagnosed with heartworm is on the increase. 21.7% more diagnoses of heartworm in dogs happened in 2016 then were diagnosed in 2013.
However, with the appropriate preventative treatment. People can prevent their pets from ever getting this sometimes fatal disease.
Veterinarians near by me say that there are a number of medications that pet owners can administer their dogs and cats. To guard against heartworm.
There is either at topical or chewable medication that can be administered once a month. For dogs that will readily eat chewable medication. They come in 3 flavoured, chicken, pork and beef.
For dogs that will not chew medication. Or for animals who have already experienced an upset tummy with this medication. Such as vomiting and diarrhea. As well as cats who will not eat chewable medication.
The topical application. Will allow pet owners to apply the treatment directly to the pets for. And continue to protect hundred percent against developing heartworm.
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This treatment must be admitted once every month. As long as there are mosquitoes in the area. For northern climates such as Canada. People will only need to administer the medication to their pets.
In the months where there are mosquitoes flying around. During winter, they will not need to give their pets this medication.
While veterinarians near by me recommend that pet owners start this medication from an early age. And never stop giving them the medicated doses.
For pet owners who have not been treating their pets before. But want to start protecting them against heartworm. May want to get a blood test in order to ensure they do not already have this disease.
This blood test is extremely easy. And whether it is a cat or a dog. The veterinarian only needs to take 3 drops of blood. In order to look for the antigens in the blood. That indicate heartworm’s are present.
Not only does this test look for heartworm. It also looks for various take diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ihrlichosis. So the pets are being tested for a number of diseases.
When the test results show that there is no indication of heartworm. Which should happen within the same appointment. Pet owners can continue giving the heartworm preventative medication.
Knowing that their pet is completely healthy. And they are taking all the right steps to ensure that their pets remain healthy.
Since heartworm is a fatal disease. Pet owners should take all of the preventative steps possible. To ensure that their pet never falls victim to this completely preventable disease.
Veterinarians Near By Me | Treating Heartworm Disease
It is extremely important that pet owners understand that heart worm is preventable according to veterinarians near by me. And that heartworm is on the rise in the United States, according to the try annual heartworm society.
Even though it is on the rise. It is completely preventable. As long as pet owners are administering the preventative medication that they can get from veterinarians near by me.
However, many people are not aware of what heartworm is. Or how their pets could become ill with this disease. The only one way that animals can get heartworm is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Once a mosquito bites an infected animal. They will lay eggs, and their larva will already be infected with the dirofilaria larva.
As those mosquitoes hatch, and grow into mature mosquitoes. They will carry the larva with them. And as they bite another animal. The larva will go into the animal’s bloodstream.
As the larva travels through the animals bloodstream. They will grow from larva to mature heartworm. In a process that takes approximately 6 to 7 months.
Once that heartworm is full-size, they will look for an opening in the animals body. In order to live and reproduce in.
The most common place for the heartworm to find is the heart. Which is what gives this parasite its name. However, it can find its way into almost any opening. And frequently infects the animals lungs as well.
A single heartworm can live inside a dog for 5 to 7 years. And approximately 2 to 3 years in cats. During their lifetime, heartworm it can produce hundreds of larva, which will grow and mature into more adult heartworm.
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As the old heartworm’s die, and new heartworm’s take its place. Through several years. An animal can become infected with hundreds of these parasites.
As the animal becomes more and more infected. They will start showing symptoms of this disease. However, pet owners should be aware. That an animal that shows symptoms. Will likely be extremely infected at this point.
Dogs will start coughing, and have difficulty breathing. And be lethargic and start to lose a lot of weight.
Cats on the other hand have completely different symptoms. While they might cough as well. It will also refuse food, vomit, and have weight loss.
In addition to those symptoms. Cats will also start fainting and having seizures. In addition to having difficulty walking.
Ultimately, the heartworm’s will infect the heart and lungs so much. Until organ failure occurs, causing death.
Heartworm is more common in dogs than in cats. Simply because they are larger animals. With larger organs. And mature heartworm’s might have a difficult time finding an opening in the cats heart and lungs.
While this sounds like a terrible fate for a pet. It is completely preventable says veterinarians near by me. So pet owners should ensure that they are feeding their pets this once monthly medication. That can provide a 100% protection against this parasitic disease.