Heartworms in Dogs

Heartworm are now seen in dogs in almost all regions of the United States. One mosquito bite from an infected mosquito is enough to infect an unprotected dog. Fortunately protection against this deadly parasite is as easy as a once a month dose of products like Heartgard, Triheart or Sentinel. A once every six month injection is now available to protect against heartworm. Call All Animals Clinic For more information about protecting your pet today.

Cause

Heartworm disease is caused when mosquitoes infected with heartworm bite your pet and transmit larvae or baby heartworms into your pets' tissue and bloodstream. These heartworm larvae migrate through the bloodstream, and after molting several times arrive in the heart and lungs. Heartworm is preventable, and much more difficult to treat. A once a month dose of heartworm medication will keep your dog safe from this deadly and dehabilitating disease.  

Symptoms

Heartworms can cause a variety of symptoms including but not limited to coughing, listlessness or depressed activity, exercise intolerance, skin lesions, clotting problems or heart disease and death to name a few. 

Detection

All Animals Clinic has the ability to use simple blood tests to detect heartworms. Heartworm testing involves a small amount of blood that can give results in minutes. 

Treatment

Heartworms are treated with an arsenic type medication given in several intervals. Sometimes in more severe cases hospitalization of your pet may be necessary. All Animals Clinic has the ability to hospitalize and take care of your pet as needed.  

Prevention

Heartworms are easily prevented. All Animals Clinic has the medications that would be appropriate for your pet. Heartworm medications can be given as a once a month chewable or even as a once every 6-month injection 

More Information

The Doctor's and staff would be happy to discuss any of your concerns or questions.