How Often Do Dogs Need Heartworm Prevention?
Heartworms don’t just infest the heart. These parasites live in the lungs and bloodstream as well. If your animal has heartworms, Dessau Veterinary Clinic in Austin has treatments available for them. Unfortunately, we can’t reverse the internal damage that’s already been done. Your dog needs extra care for the rest of its life. If left undetected and untreated, heartworms can even be fatal.
Heartworm Prevention Is the Best Treatment
The American Heartworm Society recommends that you “think 12.” Have your dog tested for heartworms every 12 months and provide 12 months of preventative care.
Dessau Veterinary Clinic provides heartworm preventative treatment in several forms. There are monthly topical and monthly chewable products, as well as every six-month injection. Our vet staff can help you choose the right treatment for your beloved dog, depending on the specifics of its health and requirements. Some of the products also protect against other parasites.
Mosquitoes transfer heartworms, and the danger increases as the weather warms up, when mosquitoes are almost impossible to avoid. But that doesn’t mean preventative care should stop when the mosquitoes are not as active. The medications can work retroactively, putting a halt to infections that were transmitted months in the past.
Heartworms are a devastating disease. The parasites grow up to a foot long, and they can live in a dog for years. Depending on how severe the dog’s condition becomes, medication alone may not be enough to eliminate them. A veterinarian may need to operate on the pet to remove the heartworms from the organs. The worms will be gone, but the damage that’s already been done will remain, which is vital that your pet is given preventative care year-round.
Protect Your Pet from Heartworms
Dessau Veterinary Clinic has been serving North Austin, Pflugerville, and the surrounding area since 1985. Our animal hospital is committed to delivering compassionate care, and we’ll make sure all your animal’s heartworm prevention treatment is up to date. Call us at 512-339-3177 or contact us online to learn how we ‘ll help you keep your pet safe from heartworms.