Tag Archives: mosquitoes
Double Defense Against Heartworm Disease
With mosquito season upon us, remember to protect your dog from deadly heartworm disease. We recommend a monthly heartworm & intestinal parasite dewormer. We ALSO recommend that you protect your dog with a monthly dose of Vectra 3D, which combats fleas, ticks & the mosquitoes that transmit heartworm. Using both methods of protection boosts success at preventing heartworm transmission to 99%!
Click HERE for more information, including studies showing efficacy of Double Defense strategy for dogs.
Photo courtesy of: http://www.fightheartwormnow.com
Heartworm Disease is SERIOUS
Heartworm disease is a condition where parasitic worms take residence in the heart. That can result in congestive heart failure and death. It is most likely to affect dogs, but very rarely cats can be infected too. The microfilaria stage of the disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Once inside their host, the microfilaria develop into adult worms that inhabit the heart. The disease is less common in our area (northern Wisconsin) but we still see cases. Dogs that travel to southern Wisconsin or other warmer states are at a much higher risk. The disease is preventable with a relatively inexpensive and safe monthly heartworm prevention pill. If your dog does contract heartworm disease, early detection can allow for treatment, but at considerable expense and with some risks of serious side effects from the treatment. Advanced stages of heartworm disease are often fatal despite any attempts at treatment. Please schedule an appointment if you would like to learn more about testing or prevention for heartworm disease. Dr. Sarah Myers, Willow Animal Hospital
(photo courtesy of: www.whitecloudvet.com)
