The veterinarian team at Doggie Dude Ranch in Ames, IA, provides preventative care and treatment for heartworm disease and other dangerous parasites that threaten your pet’s health. Our animal hospital and vet care team are highly qualified and trained to tackle any veterinary parasite problem.
Heartworm disease is a severe parasite infection that is not easily curable. It is often fatal to pets as it constricts blood flow from the heart. As a pet parent, you must know about heartworm symptoms, treatments, and prevention options.
Heartworm Symptoms
Heartworm disease in dogs and cats can have a wide range of symptoms, varying in severity depending on the stage of infection and the individual pet's response to the parasites. It's important to note that early-stage heartworm infection may not show any visible symptoms. Monitor your pet and visit your vet immediately if you suspect its illness is critical. Symptoms of a heartworm manifestation include:
- Loss of appetite
- Bulging chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Sluggishness
- Easily fatigued
- Weight loss
Heartworm Prevention
The first thing to note is that there are no natural heartworm preventatives. Preventing heartworm disease is not only essential for the health and well-being of your pets but also more cost-effective and less stressful than treating an infected pet. FDA-regulated medications are available that need a prescription from our licensed veterinarian to purchase. Heartworm-preventative medications are relatively inexpensive.
Heartworm Treatment
The heartworm parasite is transmitted through mosquito bites. Heartworm treatment is care that happens after your pet contracts the heartworm parasite. It is not a preventative treatment. Once infected, your pet will need immediate care, or the disease will be fatal.
At Doggie Dude Ranch, we provide the highest quality heartworm preventatives and treatment therapies for heartworm disease. Our veterinarian team is committed to eliminating heartworm disease and preventing the infection before it can develop. Additional preventative measures include:
- De-worm puppies.
- Maintain routine wellness examinations.
- Feed a well-balanced diet with supplements.
- Monitor your yard for cleanliness.
Start Heartworm Preventative Care for Your Pet Today
While treatment can eliminate adult heartworms, it cannot remove all larval stages, so continued prevention is essential to protect your pet from new infections. Remember that prevention is far safer, more effective, and less expensive than treating an active heartworm infection, so staying up-to-date on preventative medications is crucial for your pet's health.
Doggie Dude Ranch in Ames, IA, provides heartworm-preventative medications and treatments to protect your pet against dangerous heartworm disease. We can help eliminate the threat and ensure your pet lives long and happy. Contact our veterinarian team at (515) 382-1444 or complete our online request form to schedule your pet’s appointment.
