Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
Heartworm is a severe and highly fatal disease affecting cats, dogs, and ferrets. Pet owners can protect their animal friends by seeking preventive care and treatment from a professional vet. If you’re in Arlington, TX, you can visit the Animal Clinic of Arlington for heartworm treatment and expert advice on prevention measures. Our pet clinic can deliver pet wellness services to preserve and strengthen your pet's health for better chances of survival. Read on to learn more about heartworm preventative care and treatment.
What Causes Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm. The worms spread from one animal to the next through mosquito bites. Heartworms enter the mosquito’s system when it bites an infected animal, making them carriers or intermediate hosts. During the initial transmission stages, the parasite spreads as an infective larva, gradually maturing inside the host. Adult worms reside in and affect normal vital organ functions such as the lungs and heart, thus affecting the animal's health.
What Are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease?
The heartworm parasite can live in cats and dogs. Various symptoms manifest with the rising worm burden, with heavily infected animals showcasing more severe symptoms.
Common signs of heartworm disease include unusual fatigue and mild, persistent coughs. Over time, the infection progresses, leading to heart failure, swollen belly, and more. Heartworm disease can be lethal if it is not treated.
Heartworm Disease Prevention
Pet owners can ensure their furry friends’' safety by regularly giving them the appropriate medication. You can seek advice from our vet about which medication is best. The remedies are available in various forms, including chewable and injections. Getting your dog tested is also a good idea if your pet is experiencing early symptoms.
Heartworm Disease Treatment
What happens when your pet tests positive for Heartworm disease? Our vet might confirm the diagnosis through further tests and might restrict physical activity to avoid putting more stress on your pet. Treatment might begin immediately after a diagnosis is confirmed to be positive. The treatment is time consuming and will be hard on your pet’s health. It is best to prevent it outright.
Get Preventative Care and Heartworm Treatment from Our Veterinarian at Our Animal Clinic
Contact us at Animal Clinic of Arlington in Arlington, TX, to book an appointment with our veterinarian and get started on your pet’s preventive care. Our pet clinic provides examinations and treatments to ensure sick animals recover the way they should. Call us at (817) 460-6622 for more information.
