Heartworm Disease & Prevention
Heartworm disease is becoming more common in many parts of the United States. Have your pet tested yearly!
What is heartworm disease?
It is caused by the heartworm. This parasite lives in the right side of the dog's heart and the nearby large vessels. The female worm produces large numbers of microscopic, immature heartworm's that circulate in the blood. These immature worms (microfilariae) are taken up with the blood by a mosquito feeding on an infected dog. That mosquito can then infect other dogs that it feeds on.
Yes, mosquito's transmit heartworm disease.
Heartworm testing is a simple blood draw and can save your pets life. Heartworm that is left untreated may result in heart failure and/or serious disease of the liver & kidneys and is usually fatal.
MEADOWBROOK & BRECKENRIDGE
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For all your pets healthcare needs.
Once your dog is tested and proven free of heartworm's, we recommend medication usually given monthly to help protect your dog against heartworm disease. There are several heartworm preventatives on the market that can be given orally (chews or pill) or a liquid that is applied directly to the skin in an area the dog cannot lick (between the shoulder blades).
Our clinics recommend Heartgard Plus. A once a month beef chew your dog takes like a treat. Check out Merial the makers of Heartgard plus. This medication not only helps protect against heartworm, but also has a medication called Pyrantle, which helps protect your dog from certain intestinal parasites that live in the ground all year round. Merial also guarantees their products.
