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How to Prevent Heartworms in Dogs & Cats
The topic of pet parasite prevention is a hot one during the spring and summer, but not so much in the middle of what’s starting to feel like a very long winter. However, because of the heartworm life cycle (which includes a 6-month incubation period), pets who stop their medication are at risk year-round.
There are over 20 types of heartworm-carrying mosquitoes, and they’re all active at different times of the year. Fortunately, heartworm prevention is highly effective and is something that can be observed 365 days a year!
Continue…Heartworms in Cats
There are so many things that we cannot protect our precious pets from, but when it comes to parasites such as heartworms in cats, we often have a real chance at preventing trouble. Most dog owners know about heartworms, but owners with feline family members aren’t always as knowledgeable.
Heartworm disease in cats is a real issue, and this parasite has worse implications for our kitty companions. True Care Veterinary Hospital thinks it is important for our clients to understand the risks and implications of heartworms in cats.
Understanding the Heartworm
The heartworms that infect dogs are the same as those that infect cats. These nasty little parasitic worms carry the scientific name Dirofilaria immitis and are transmitted by the mosquito. When an infected animal is bitten, the mosquito carries tiny baby heartworms, called microfilaria, in its digestive system until it bites another animal, infecting that victim with the parasite.