Canine Heartworm Disease

      PREVENTION OF HEARTWORM DISEASE IN DOGS

To your dog, heartworms are dangerous, causing a deadly disease.
A single bite from an infected mosquito can transmit heartworms to
your dog. So, wherever and whenever there are mosquitoes present,
your dog is in danger. Your dog may be at risk not only in the hot summer
months, but also on warm days in the winter. Even a dog that does not go
outdoors at all can be at risk for heartworm disease. In our area, more than
ten percent of dogs that are not on heartworm preventative get heartworm
disease. Every year our clinic treats several dogs carrying heartworm disease.

Although treatment for heartworm disease is difficult, risky, and expensive,
PREVENTION is easy. A heartworm blood test should be done in all dogs six
months and older. This blood test may be done at the time of annual
examination and immunizations or at any other time that is convenient for
you and your dog. After two annual negative tests, we test every two years
if your dog is on heartworm preventative year-round. Please contact our
office if you have questions on the type or frequency of testing for your dog.

For heartworm prevention, several prescription medications are available.
Interceptor and Revolution are the options at our clinic. Interceptor is a
monthly chewable that also covers various intestinal worms. Revolution is
a topical liquid that also covers fleas and other insects. Please discuss these
with your veterinarian or animal health technician, and we will review them
and decide which medication is best for you and your dog.

Have our dog tested for heartworm disease, and start on a preventative
program.
His or her life may depend on it.

                        THANK YOU FOR SELECTING OUR CLINIC

                        AS YOUR DOG’S HEALTH CARE CENTER.