Keeping your pet healthy is an important part of owning an animal. Many common pet ailments can be avoided with a little information and simple preventive treatments. Parker Animal Clinic is committed to pet health and offers these guidelines for the prevention of heartworm, a common but potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease that affects dogs and cats. 

Facts You Should Know About Heartworm

What Is Heartworm?

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are carried by mosquitoes, but cannot be transmitted from one pet to another. The larvae and worms live inside the heart, lungs, and related blood vessels. They can reproduce inside your pet’s body and live for many years undetected. Adult worms look like spaghetti noodles and can grow up to 12 inches long. 

Heartworm disease affects dogs more than cats, but in both species, pet health will be compromised and may result in death if left untreated. 

Symptoms of Heartworm

Unfortunately, there are few symptoms of the disease until the worms are well established. A persistent cough and low energy can signal that it’s time to have your pet checked at a veterinary clinic. Your vet can do blood tests to make a definite diagnosis. Once the presence of heartworms is verified, the treatment is expensive, hard on your pet’s health, and time-consuming. 

How to Prevent Heartworm

Prevention is crucial because the disease does not present symptoms until it is a severe problem.  Oral medication administered monthly or twice a year works well to kill heartworms in the larval stage. This medication is affordable, and many brands also prevent other common parasites. Ask your veterinarian which prescription is best for your pet.

Pets are one of the great joys of life, and it’s crucial to keep them healthy. At Parker Animal Clinic in Clarksville, AR, they love animals as much as you do, and are committed to pet health and preventive medicine. Visit their website for more information about their full range of veterinary services for large and small animals, and call (479) 754-5656 to schedule an appointment.