The Importance of Heart Worm Prevention in Rio Rancho
Heartworm is a dangerous disease that affects over one million pets in the United States alone. Because of the health issues and risk of death that comes with contracting heartworm, it is important to understand the heart worm prevention Rio Rancho dogs need to keep this harmful disease at bay.
What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm, otherwise known as dirofilaria immitis, is a parasitic worm that wreaks havoc on the health of dogs and other pets like cats and ferrets. Pets can contract heartworm if a mosquito containing the larvae of the worm bites the animal. It is after this that the parasite spreads and grows in a dog’s body over time.
Because this parasite lives inside of a dog’s heart or lungs, it contributes to a variety of serious health issues such as heart failure, blood clots in the lungs, and death when left untreated. Some of the most common signs of heartworm to look out for in your dog include:
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Bulging ribs
- Difficulty breathing
- Lost appetite
If any of these symptoms are present in your dog, make sure to seek help from a veterinary professional immediately to test for heartworm and treat the issue immediately.
Options For Heartworm Prevention Rio Rancho
Lucky for you and your furry friend, there are a variety of preventative medications that your vet can prescribe to stop deadly heartworm parasites from affecting your pet. These options include monthly chewable medicine tablets, yearly injections, or topical medicines to put on your dog’s back.
Protect Your Dog With Heartworm Prevention in Rio Rancho
Keeping your dog happy and healthy starts with regular treatment under the supervision of a trusted veterinarian at Coronado Animal Hospital. To learn more about the services we offer for heartworm prevention, Rio Rancho pet owners can give us a call today!