Heartworm disease is a condition that causes dogs to suffer from exercise intolerance, breathing difficulties, and the possibility of death. However, you can prevent heartworms from infecting your pet. At Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus, OH, our team offers annual heartworm testing and preventive medication. If your pet tests positive for heartworm disease, we can develop a heartworm treatment plan for your pet.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
A pet in the early stages of heartworm disease tends to have trouble breathing, especially after exercise. It may wheeze and cough after strenuous activity. This symptom will intensify as the disease progresses. This is because when an infected mosquito bites your pet, heartworm larvae are transmitted into the body, making their way to the right side of the heart and cause heart and lung problems. A pet in the later stages of this disease will become lethargic, and its other organs may become affected. This can lead to death if treatment is not administered.
How to Protect Your Pet at Home
It is important to avoid situations where your dog is exposed to mosquitoes, since they can carry heartworm disease. To do this, inspect your outdoor living spaces regularly. Remove any standing water from your property and cover pools, fountains, or birdbaths when they are not being used. Make sure to take in your pet's water bowl when it is not spending time outside. Use citronella tiki torches or candles in areas your pet tends to frequent to help keep mosquitos away. If necessary, hire a pest control specialist to take care of your landscaping needs to aid in mosquito elimination.
Preventative Care from Our Veterinarian
The best way to protect your dog is to bring it to one of our veterinarians for a yearly heartworm test as a preventative care measure. Our animal hospital will provide your pet with heartworm preventive medication. This is a monthly chewable tablet.
If your pet does get infected and develops heartworm disease, our veterinarians will develop a heartworm treatment plan for your pet.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Veterinarian for Preventative Care
Preventative care is vital in safeguarding your pet against heartworms. At Hamilton Road Animal Hospital in Columbus, OH, our veterinarians will guide you on how to prevent heartworms from infecting your pet. Our goal is to keep your pets happy and healthy. Call us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more, (614)239-0027.
