Protect Your Dog or Cat from Heartworm Disease

Having a pet can bring a lot of joy into your life. However, it can also require a lot of work. Among the many steps you need to follow for proper pet care, preventing heartworm disease is integral to your pet's health. Our team at Trilby Animal Hospital in Toledo shares why it’s so important and how you can prevent heartworms below.

What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms are a type of parasite that is transferred to dogs and cats through mosquito bites. They enter the pet’s cardiovascular system and reproduce. Eventually, there can be so many of them that they clog the system and lead to death.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

You might not notice any signs right away, but this disease often causes pets to become lethargic. You might notice that your pet’s belly has swollen, he isn’t eating like normal, and he is losing a lot of weight. Another common sign is a persistent cough.

Prevention Is Key

As you might not notice symptoms until the disease has progressed, it’s vital that you take preventative steps. The first step is to take your pet to the vet to be tested for heartworms. This is important because preventative medicine can actually have adverse effects if adult heartworms are already present. This is usually only true for pets who are about six months old, as it takes about six months for heartworms to progress to the adult phase. If the test is negative or you have a young pet, preventative medication is prescribed. This medication is typically given monthly in a dosage that depends on your pet's size and weight.

Schedule a Pet Care Appointment

Protect your pet from this potentially fatal disease by visiting our vet team at Trilby Animal Hospital in Toledo. Call (419) 474-5403 to schedule your appointment today.