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When you’re a pet owner, there are some steps you have to take to ensure a dog or cat stays healthy. One of the top precautions an animal hospital will recommend is heartworm prevention; these can pose a serious risk to an animal’s well-being and can stay in their system for years. Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia in Maryland explains why prevention is key for your furry friends.

How Heartworms Harm

Heartworms are spread by mosquitos that carry larvae and transfer it as they bite your pet, so it’s not something a pet owner would typically notice. These worms grow inside your furry friend over time, reproduce, and eventually reach their heart and lungs.

animal hospitalHeart disease, lung disease, and organ damage are just a few of the life-threatening illnesses heartworms can cause. Cats are more at risk for being undiagnosed, and unfortunately, cannot be cured. Dogs can usually be treated successfully with rounds of medication. Overall, prevention is key for both animals. 

What You Can Do for Prevention

As soon as you get a pet, visit the local animal hospital for a checkup. There are several options for heartworm prevention, some of the most common being a monthly medicine. This is usually a pill or chewable tablet that will go into your animal’s system every month to lessen their risk of getting this disease. Pets should also be tested every year for heartworms, even if they’re taking other preventive measures. Typically, this will happen at their yearly checkup through simple bloodwork. 

If you’re searching for an experienced and compassionate animal hospital in the Columbia, MD area, look to the team at Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia. For more than 30 years, the expert pet clinic has provided comprehensive veterinarian care, from pet vaccines and general care to boarding services.  The team ensures each pet feels comfortable and safe and receives the best treatment possible, whether they’re dealing with heartworms or needing an in-house surgery. To learn more about their office, visit their website or call (410) 995-6880 to set up your first appointment today.

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