Dogs are more than just pets - they're family members. As such, it's important to keep them healthy and safe, and one of the most important ways to do that is by preventing heartworms.
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs of dogs. They're spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious health problems, including heart failure and even death.
When I found my Beau Skelly running along side the highway in Mississippi he was severely underweight, 30 lbs, and tested heartworm positive when I took him in to be evaluated after I found him. I had taken for granted that all my other fur babies had been negative for heartworms their entire lives. I was not prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions that I would go on the next 6 months of his treatment.
Fortunately, heartworm prevention is easy and effective.
There are a variety of heartworm prevention options available, including monthly tablets, topical treatments, and injections. These treatments work by killing the immature heartworms before they have a chance to grow and cause harm. It's important to talk to your veterinarian to determine which prevention method is best for your dog based on their age, size, and health.
Preventing heartworms isn't just important for your dog's health - it's also important for your wallet. Treating heartworms can be expensive and can take months to complete. Prevention is much more cost-effective than treatment, and it's much easier on your dog.
Curing Beau of his heartworms was expensive between the cost of medications in preparation of treatment and for inbetween treatments, the overnight evalutations after the immiticide injections, the injections themselves, and the occasional urgent visit after he coughed up a quarter cup of blood and a heartworm that found its way to his lungs from a burst blood vessel.
In addition to being an effective preventative measure, heartworm prevention can also provide peace of mind. By keeping your dog protected from heartworms, you'll have one less thing to worry about and can enjoy spending time with your furry friend without fear of them developing a serious health issue.
In conclusion, heartworm prevention is an important aspect of responsible pet ownership. By keeping your dog protected from heartworms, you're not only ensuring their health and safety but also giving yourself peace of mind. Talk to your veterinarian today about the best heartworm prevention options for your furry friend, and keep them protected all year round.
Beau has been heartworm free for almost 4 years now. He is healthy and active, however he still has the remnants of the heartworm cough and a collapsed trachea from coughing so much, he is still able to have a full life as a spoiled rotten coon hound with no hunting skills.
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