Pets are part of the family and they deserve to be happy and healthy. Our team at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic in Brooklyn would like to remind you about the importance of heartworm prevention.
The Symptoms of Heartworm
Heartworm disease is a severe condition that is fatal for many pets. Foot-long worms infect the body and live inside the heart. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes transmit the worm larvae into the bloodstream of your pet. Here are the most common symptoms in pets.
Dogs will experience an excessive cough, fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Heartworm, over time, causes heart failure if left untreated.
Cats share an excessive cough, but they also experience vomiting, diarrhea, gagging, loss of appetite, lethargy, and confusion. Cats can also experience dormant symptoms of heartworm.
Heartworm Prevention
Heartworms have damaging effects on cats and dogs if left untreated. It is best to visit a veterinarian and receive regular checkups for your pet. If your pet shows signs of a heartworm infestation, the vet will conduct additional testing. The testing typically involves blood work or x-rays. It is a scary time to have a pet tested for such a preventable disease, so make sure to take the necessary steps to prevent it.
There are a variety of medications offered by veterinarians to prevent a heartworm infestation. The medication can be taken monthly and can either be digested or injected. Dr. Dendtler will walk you through the proper heartworm prevention schedule that is right for your pet.
Contact Our Veterinarian in Brooklyn for Heartworm Prevention
Our team at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic is dedicated to providing quality veterinary services, including heartworm prevention. The right medicine, routine checkups, and a proper diet will help keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come. Call our team today at (718) 623-3999 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dendtler.