Protect Your Dogs and Cats from Heartworm Disease

Protect Your Dogs and Cats from Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a completely preventable illness that can affect both cats and dogs anywhere in the United States. While there is heartworm treatment available, your best defense against the disease is a monthly flea and tick prevention medication from your veterinarian. For more information on heartworm treatment in Scarsdale, NY, contact us at Central Animal Hospital veterinary clinic.

What Is Heartworm?

Heartworms are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. These worms can take months to reach their full size. They tend to live and grow in the heart, lungs, and other organs.

Symptoms of Heartworm

At first, your pet may not display any signs of heartworm illness. Once the worms begin to grow, your pet may be reluctant to exercise and may even cough or appear out of breath after a simple walk. During the advanced stages of the disease, your pet may display a decreased appetite, a swollen belly, vomiting, and lethargy.

Diagnosing Heartworm

If your pet is suspected of having heartworms, our veterinarian will perform a routine test to check for the presence of the parasites. If the test comes back positive, more testing may be given to determine the severity of the disease.

Treatment for Heartworm

Upon a positive diagnosis, your veterinarian may start heartworm treatment immediately. This is usually in the form of medications, but in some severe cases surgery may be necessary. Your pet will also need to refrain from any type of exercise to prevent strain to the vital organs.

If you live in the Scarsdale NY area and need more information on heartworm treatment, tick prevention, or wellness visits, contact us here at Central Animal Hospital by calling 914-723-1250. Our caring staff members can answer any questions you might have and can schedule an appointment for your pet.