Keep the Worms Out of Your Pet’s Heart! The Facts About Heartworm Disease & Prevention in Rio Rancho
Since heartworm disease is diagnosed in 100,000 dogs each year, it is crucial to take part in heartworm prevention in Rio Rancho to keep your furry friends safe. One heartworm-positive dog in your neighborhood means the local mosquitos are likely carriers. While heartworm is most commonly found in dogs, it can also affect cats and ferrets.
3 Important Facts Pet Owners Should Know About Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease occurs when an animal is bitten by a mosquito containing parasitic heartworms. These worms multiply and make their way to a dog’s heart and lungs, causing catastrophic health outcomes such as heart failure, lung disease, and death if left untreated.
Here are three things every pet owner should know about heartworm disease:
#1: The Signs and Symptoms
To stop heartworm before it gets too severe and causes irreversible consequences, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease. The main symptoms of heartworm include the following:
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Dry cough
- Increased effort in breathing
#2: Testing and Treatment
Yearly heartworm testing is recommended because dogs diagnosed in earlier stages are more likely to make a full recovery. The treatment plan for dogs involves a lengthy course of antibiotics, three injections of a powerful agent to kill the adult worms, and lots of rest. The treatment itself can be risky, depending on the severity of disease, and it’s expensive. There is no treatment for infected cats or ferrets.
#3: Prevention
The key to keeping heartworms out of your pet’s system is by taking the necessary preventative measures and regular testing. While there is no foolproof way to prevent infection entirely, there are many effective medications pets can take to significantly lower their risk. These include chewable medications, topical treatments, and injectable medication.
Work With Coronado Pet Hospital to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Rio Rancho Today
To get started with your pet’s heartworm prevention, Rio Rancho pet owners can consult with the experienced veterinarians at Coronado Pet Hospital today!