476 Myrtle Ave

Brooklyn, NY 11205 US

(718) 623-3999

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Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm Prevention at Your Local Brooklyn Veterinarian Clinic

Clinton Hill Animal Clinic knows that heartworm prevention should be one of the most important concerns dog owners have. While heartworms can infect other types of animal species, such as cats, dogs are the most susceptible of the common companion pet species. Once infected, a dog with heartworms can have existing heartworms removed but those that grew in their heart and lungs will leave lasting damage that cannot be fixed. This makes heartworm prevention a critical component of dog health and wellness.

Heartworm Prevention

Understanding Heartworms and the Threat They Pose

Heartworms are a type of parasitic worm that gets spread via mosquito bites, and those carrier mosquitoes have been found in every state. Once an infected mosquito bites a dog, they transfer the parasite into the dog's bloodstream. From there, the heartworms grow in the dog and spreads into their lungs, heart, and other cardiac organs, and it is their growth that is one of the biggest problems. Adult heartworms look like strands of cooked spaghetti and they can be as long as 12 inches in length. Unfortunately, those long bodies end up blocking and eating away at your dog's critical organs.

Preventing Heartworm Disease

Once in your dog, heartworms can be difficult to remove and can have lasting negative health consequences on your dog. The good news is that preventing heartworms from ever entering your dog's bloodstream is easy, so long as you follow your local veterinary office or animal hospital’s recommendations.

First, always have your pets tested once a year for the presence of heartworms during their annual check-up. Once your dog has been cleared of heartworms, your veterinarian will talk to you about heartworm preventatives. There are a ton of fantastic products out on the market today, with all of them separated generally into two categories, topical and oral heartworm preventatives.

  • Topical heartworm prevention: Topical heartworm prevention products come in a liquid or gel-like format so that dog owners can easily apply the product directly to the skin at the back of their dog's neck. Once applied, topical heartworm preventatives will absorb into the dog's body and kill any existing immature parasites.
  • Oral heartworm prevention: Oral heartworm prevention products come in a chewable tablet form. Most brands use tasty flavors to make it easier for owners to get their dogs to eat them. Like topical heartworm preventatives, oral products should be given on a monthly basis. 

Schedule Your Dog for a Heartworm Test Today

Finding the right heartworm veterinary care for your pet isn't always easy. Contact our Brooklyn veterinarian team at Clinton Hill Animal Clinic today to schedule an appointment to have your pet tested. While you’re here, you can learn more about the different prevention medications that are available and receive a recommendation on which one is best for your pet.

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Office Hours

Monday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Tuesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Wednesday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Saturday:

10:30 am-5:30 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Phone: (718) 623-3999
476 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11205, US


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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Roxy and i loved our experience with Clinton hill, and our doctor was amazing! She explained everything and answered all my questions. I highly recommend this vet clinic!"
    Amanda Hodge
  • "Always excellent professional care. Staff are empathetic towards pets and pet parents. I highly recommend this clinic. My dogs have been under care there for the past eight years."
    Frances Haile
  • "I wish there was a way to give 10 stars. It was the absolute best experience for us and our cats. The guy it the front desk I’m so sorry I forgot your name but he was extremely patient, thorough and took the time to answer every question we had. The doctor was caring and extremely knowledgeable about cats. It was the best experience 10 stars!"
    Brian Bee
  • "This place specializes in creating great relationships with owners and pets. I've been with Dr. Pamela Dendtler since 2003 ! Awesome care and service."
    Diedre Yvonne Gary
  • "To Dr Dendtler and Staff, I cant begin to tell you how impressed I am with the loving care you have given to my cat Baxter, before and after the much needed surgery. Baxter is so pleased with the outcome; he goes around purring all day."
    Thanks again. -Estelle P.
  • "Dear Dr. Dendtler, You were very thorough and caring in treating Buddy. You explained clearly how to protect my dog. I have been to many clinics but you are the best. You were very professional and compassionate. Buddy and I are very grateful. Thanks ever so much to you and your staff."
    John L.
  • "Hi Dr Dendtler, Thank you so very much for fixing my eye. I can see clearly now…I can see all obstacles in my way! Love Vernell R"
    Vernell R.

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