April is Heartworm Awareness Month. With spring coming upon us, the mosquitoes will not be far behind. Heartworm disease affects both cats and dogs and is a highly preventable disease.
Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly infection that is caused by worms (that can grow to be 14in long in adulthood) these worms live in the right side of the heart and can also affect the lungs. Heartworm disease can cause heart failure and in severe cases can affect the pets liver and kidneys.
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected during the feeding process from an infected animal. When they bite another animal they transfer the larvae into the animal’s bloodstream through the bite wound. It takes about 6 months for the larvae to mature into adults; the adult worms can live for 5-7 years in the infected animal. Heartworm disease can be very costly to treat once an animal is infected.
There have been confirmed cases of heartworm disease in the Pacific Northwest. We live in a region where people are constantly moving in and out of the area with their pets, which is why it is imperative to have your pet on a heartworm preventative year round. The heartworm preventative medications that we recommend are Sentinel and Revolution.
Sentinel is for dogs and puppies and it helps control, heartworm disease, fleas, and adult hookworms. Sentinel also removes and controls adult roundworm and whipworm infections. Sentinel is an oral medication given in a chewable tablet form once a month.
Revolution is for both cats and dogs of all ages. It is a topical medication that is given once a month. Revolution for cats prevents and controls fleas and heartworm disease, and it controls hookworms, roundworms and ear mites. Revolution for dogs prevents and controls fleas, ticks, sarcoptic mange and heartworm disease.
Call us today with any questions you might have about getting your dog or cat on a heartworm preventative!