Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets
Heartworm disease poses a severe threat to pets across the United States, with cases reported in all 50 states. This disease, caused by parasitic worms residing in the lungs, heart, and blood vessels of animals, can lead to severe health problems and even death if not prevented or treated properly. Here, we explore why heartworm protection is crucial for the health of your beloved pets and how you can secure their well-being with help from our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital.
Understanding Heartworm Disease in Pets
Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites your pet, the larvae are deposited onto your pet’s skin and enter the bloodstream. These larvae mature into adults and migrate to the heart and lungs over about six months, causing significant damage and health complications.
Dogs, cats, and ferrets can all be affected by heartworms. Symptoms vary by species but can include coughing, lethargy, reduced appetite, weight loss, and in severe cases, sudden death. The presence of heartworms can severely impair your pet’s lung capacity, cause heart failure, and damage other organs.
The Necessity of Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is not only dangerous but also widespread. It has been diagnosed in every state in the U.S., making prevention crucial regardless of where you live. Mosquitoes can travel great distances, and one bite from an infected mosquito can jeopardize your pet’s health.
Preventative measures are simple and effective. For dogs older than 7 months, our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital recommend a preliminary heartworm test before starting any preventative medication. Puppies younger than 7 months can begin preventative treatments without a test. Cats and ferrets also have suitable preventative treatments available, starting from as young as six weeks in kittens and when ferrets weigh at least two pounds.
Preventative options include monthly topical applications, chewable tablets, or injections administered by a veterinarian. These medications work by killing the heartworm larvae before they can mature into adults. However, it’s crucial to understand that these preventatives do not kill adult heartworms. Therefore, annual testing is essential to ensure your pet remains heartworm-free, even on preventative medication.
Heartworm Treatment and Management
If a pet is diagnosed with heartworm disease, the treatment involves several risks and can be costly. The treatment protocol may vary depending on the severity of the disease and the species of the pet but typically involves adulticide treatment to kill the adult worms. During and after treatment, the physical activity must be limited, as the dying worms can cause blockages in the pet’s heart or lungs.
Consult Our Doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital
Is your pet protected against heartworm? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Consult our doctors at Willow Glen Pet Hospital to schedule a heartworm test and discuss the best preventative medication for your pet. Prevention is not only safer but also far less costly than treatment for heartworm disease.
For more help or any questions, call us at Willow Glen Pet Hospital, (669) 342-7472, 1033 Willow Street, San Jose, CA, 95125, US. Our operating hours are Monday – Saturday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. You can consult with Dr. Gillon or Dr. Shani or visit us online.