Cedar Valley Dog March/April 2013 Issue #2 | Page 4

HEARTWORM TESTING &

YEAR ROUND

W

PREVENTION

By: Dr. Lindsey Keller - Compassionate Care Veterinary Clinic
hy test your pet yearly for Heartworm Disease?

Annual testing, even if your pet is on year
round heartworm prevention, is recommended for
several important reasons.

First, many of us do not take our own
medications as directed let alone medicate our pets
as recommended. We’re busy… we forget… we
miss a dose here and there.
Second, even if you never miss a dose there is nothing to prevent your dog from vomiting up the medication you just gave without your knowledge. Your
pet could be without protection for an entire month.
Third, if your pet accidentally became infected
with heartworms, your veterinarian needs to detect
it as soon as possible before irreversible heart and
lung damage occur. Early detection and treatment
are always best.
Finally, some heartworm tests now monitor for other
significant diseases such as Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis
and Anaplasmosis. With annual testing, you know
your pet is heartworm free and not infected with these
serious tick-borne diseases, some of which could harm
family members. The tests are quick and accurate
and insure your pet is free from infection. Annual
testing provides peace of mind in knowing that
your pet is free of heartworms, and should your pet
be infected, it assures you of early diagnosis.

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hy should I use year-round heartworm prevention?

There are different climates in the United States,
including micro-climates such as irrigated fields, backyard
ponds and man-made golf courses, which affect the severity and duration of the mosquito season. We also know
that some areas can have heartworm infections in wild
species such as coyotes. These infected wild animals can
be a source of infection to your dog or cat. Despite the fact
that heartworm disease may not be diagnosed as often in
some areas as in others, it is definitely present. The American Heartworm Society is now recommending year-round
prevention. Also, if your dog or cat travels out of state with
you they may be at higher risk of exposure. One of the
many reasons to use year-round heart worm prevention is
that many of the preventatives today also include intestinal
parasite control for roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Your dog and family should be protected against
intestinal parasites at all times as many intestinal parasites
can infect humans as well as pets.

“

The American Heartworm Society is
now recommending year-round prevention.

Dr. Keller and her girl Gracie.

2020A 3rd Ave NW Waverly, IA | [phone] | compassionatecarewaverly.com

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