Just like their human owners, dogs get sick too. While a respiratory infection may not always be preventable, there are many other diseases that can be avoided by regular exams from a Veterinarian in Windsor Locks, CT. One of the most common ailments that can affect dogs is heartworms. If left untreated, heartworms will more than likely kill your pet. Thankfully, it is very simple to keep your dog free of these worms.
Heartworms are long parasites that are passed into the bloodstream of dogs through the bite of a mosquito. It only takes a single bite for your pet to become infected. Once inside their host, these worms begin rapidly reproducing, finding their way into the heart and lungs. They also do destruction to other organs of the body. Most dogs succumb to the infection. The early stages of heartworm disease often go unnoticed. However, a dog with a serious infection may cough during play or exercise. Once a dog contracts the disease, it can be expensive and dangerous to treat. The good news is that it is very preventable with monthly medications.
All new pets should be examined by a Veterinarian in Windsor Locks, CT and tested for heartworm disease. If the test comes back positive, treatment should begin right away. Dogs with a negative result should go on a heartworm preventative medication right away. These pills are usually taken orally once a month, and they are very effective at keeping dogs healthy. The pills work by killing any new larvae that may have entered the bloodstream. Since heartworms take several months to mature, these preventative medications prevent any larvae from reaching adulthood. Heartworm medications are very affordable, often costing only a few dollars each month.
The Windsor Animal Clinic wants every dog owner to be educated about the risk of hearworm disease. If you do have a heartworm positive dog, it can and should be treated. It cannot be passed to other dogs in the household. Many shelter dogs are heartworm positive, and with today’s treatments, it shouldn’t deter you from adopting your new best friend.
