What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a parasite that infects your pet’s blood and can be fatal if left untreated. The parasitic worm is typically transmitted by insects like mosquitos, ticks, or fleas. The parasite attacks your pet’s blood vessels and organs, specifically the heart and lungs, destroying your pet’s normal body functions.
Prevention is key to protecting your pet from heartworm, because by the time you notice physical symptoms in your pet or behavioral changes, more extensive treatment may be required. If you suspect your pet has heartworm or you notice any physical indicators, call our office, and we’ll schedule an appointment. Here are some of the physical symptoms that indicate your pet has heartworm:
- Coughing
- Fatigue or Inability to Exercise
- Difficulty Breathing
- Blue or Purple Discoloration of the Gums or Skin
How Can I Protect My Pet from Heartworms?
Heartworm medicine is one of the most effective ways to protect your dog from contracting the parasite. You can take additional steps to keep your furry friend safe from parasitic worms by minimizing your pet’s contact with carriers of the bloodborne parasite, like mosquitoes. Here are helpful tips for heartworm prevention in Simcoe:
Bug Zappers
Mosquitos have an annoying habit of getting past window and front door screens into your home. You can protect your pet from these pests using bug zappers, bug lights, or sticky paper to stop or deter mosquitos in or near your home.
Avoid Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos. If you live near a lake, pond, or area of standing water, it’s important to avoid walking your pet near the water, especially during peak hours of mosquito activity.
Flea Collars and Topical Medication
One of the ways you can protect your pet from heartworm is to maintain their topical medication or check to ensure their flea collar hasn’t expired. Many topical treatments and flea collars prevent parasitic infection by killing the fleas and ticks.
Rural Areas
It’s no secret that rural areas have a greater concentration of mosquitos, ticks, and fleas. If you take your pet to wooded or grassy areas to play or you live in a rural area, it’s vital to maintain your pet’s heartworm medication and actively check them for ticks and fleas.
Heartworm Testing and Prevention FAQs
Protecting your pet is important, and it’s natural to have questions about how to help them stay healthy. That’s why we encourage you to voice your concerns and ask questions. We are happy to provide the answers and information you need to select the treatments that are right for your dog. Here are some of the most common questions we receive about heartworm testing in Simcoe:
Dependable Heartworm Prevention in Simcoe
Your pet brings so much laughter and love to your life, and you want to show them love by keeping them healthy. At Colborne Veterinary Clinic, we offer effective heartworm prevention and treatment so your pet enjoys life to the fullest. Our team is proud to protect the dogs of Simcoe with heartworm testing and medicine. Whether your new kitten needs to be tested or your mature dog needs preventive medication, you can rely on our team. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
