Heartworm Awareness with Apple Valley Veterinarians in Plantsville

Springtime is the perfect time to get your dog started on a preventative plan or to start treatment for heartworms if it is necessary. This is also an ideal time to learn a little bit about heartworms so that you can keep an eye out for the signs of this condition. Here at Apple Valley Veterinarians, our team of Plantsville vets wants to make sure all pet owners are aware of the symptoms and treatment for heartworm.

Heartworm Prevention

Dogs with heartworm are often very sick and there isn’t any guarantee that treatment will work immediately. This is the reason why all dog owners should make sure they are taking steps to prevent their dog from getting heartworms in the first place.

Preventing heartworms is actually very simple. The dog needs to be tested for heartworms and if he is negative, a vet can prescribe heartworm preventions treatment. This medication isn’t a hassle to give to the dogs. It comes in a treat form that dogs find very palatable. They might even beg you for an extra dosage once you give them the once-per-month pill.

How Does Heartworm Spread?

Heartworms are spread through the bite of a mosquito that is infected. Once a dog is bitten by a mosquito that carries heartworms, it can take five months before he tests positive for the condition. Oftentimes, you will notice the symptoms of the condition, which should lead you to seek medical care from a veterinarian for the dog. The symptoms of heartworms include fatigue, weight loss, coughing, and a decreased appetite.

Some people are put off by the cost of heartworm prevention and don’t think it’s necessary; however, pet owners should realize that treating the condition is much more expensive. In some cases, the treatment is two to three times what the cost of prevention is

Protect Your Pet with Help from our Plantsville Veterinarians

Contact our Plantsville veterinarians to make an appointment for heartworm testing for your dog today. This is the first step toward protecting your fur baby. Call Apple Valley Veterinarians today at (860) 628-9635.