Heartworms: What you need to know!

By Deb Haines

Did you know it only takes ONE bite from an infected mosquito to start this deadly disease cycle? That’s why it’s imperative to protect your pet with regular parasite preventatives. Talk to your veterinarian what is best for your pet.

*Note….From one of our PVC vets Dr. U-B

Just want to add here too that it is WAY less expensive and easier on your dog’s health to have them heartworm tested and on preventative year-round than to have to treat them for heartworms if they get them. Puppies need to be started on monthly preventative at 8 weeks of age. Definitely not something worth skipping out on! ~ Dr. U-B

*Note.. From another of our PVC vets Dr. McWilliams

Also, mosquitoes don’t read calendars! I live in central New Hampshire and I have had mosquitoes in my yard in February when the ground was completely covered in snow on a warm 40-50F day. Mosquitoes can survive in warmer microclimates like crawl spaces and still come out on warmer days. They are slower and the heartworm life cycle is slower but they absolutely can still be out in February in a snowy state. They don’t read calendars. Give the medication year round. I would NEVER skip heartworm prevention for my own dog.

*Here is a link from Merck Veterinary Manual. This will help you better understand the importance of having your pet on a heartworm prevention.

Link.. Merck Vet Manual – Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Link for Dogs, cats and ferrets..

Merck Vet Manual – Heartworm Disease in Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets

Americian Heartworm Society

https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

**The Vet Corner groups encourage members to establish a relationship with their local veterinarian, don’t wait until an emergency.**