Mosquitoes are expected to be very active this year. They're a nuisance to you, but to your pets they are a deadly enemy. After Hurricane Katrina, thousands of homeless dogs, most of which were carrying heartworm disease, were brought to our area. Many dog owners are diligent about testing for heartworm and administering preventive medication. But, considering that heartworm disease has now been reported in all 50 states in both dogs and cats, we still have our work cut out for us. Recent studies indicate that only 59% of dog owners and less than 5% of cat owners protect their pets by giving them a heartworm preventive!
Heartworm infection takes place when a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae bites your dog or cat. The larvae then enter a blood vessel and are carried to the arteries in the lungs. There, both live and dead worms can cause potentially life-threatening inflammation. Dogs may cough, have difficulty breathing, and get tired more quickly with exercise. Severe infections can lead to death. In cats, heartworms cause severe respiratory disease, and occasionally sudden death. The most common signs are coughing, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. ALL DOGS NEED TO BE TESTED ANNUALLY. Heartworms are more difficult to detect in cats making monthly prevention even more important.
HEARTWORM PREVENTION IS SIMPLE, SAFE, AND EFFECTIVE. For dogs, we recommend SENTINEL, a once a month oral tablet. For cats, we recommend REVOLUTION, which is applied topically to back of the neck, once a month. These highly effective preventatives also prevent INTESTINAL PARASITES, and even FLEAS. The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention, even where mosquitoes are seasonal. You can protect your entire family by giving your dog or cat a monthly parasite preventative. Our doctors will help you select the best preventative for your pet. Don’t be mislead by internet pharmacies. WE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY AND GUARANTEE THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THE MEDICATION. This year, KEEP YOUR PET SAFE!
