Every dog lover knows that these adorable furry little ones are family members. We treat them as one of us and care for them so much. They are part of the pack, and our bond with them is unlike any other. Dogs are loyal, loving, and simply the best!
When our furry pets have to deal with a life-threatening condition, it is a nightmare for us, and the pain is incomparable. Losing a pet is one of the most painful things on earth. What more if your pet dies from something preventable?
There are so many diseases lurking out there waiting for a chance to attack our furry loved ones, but in this blog, we will focus on one of the most severe diseases our dogs might encounter - heartworm.
What is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a severe disease that results in severe organ damage, lung disease, and heart failure. It often results in death, mainly in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, this disease can spread through a mosquito bite.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
The signs that your dog has heartworm disease include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. When this disease progresses, it can lead to heart failure and death. Even a swollen belly due to the excess abdominal fluid can be a sign.
Ways to Prevent Heartworm Disease
Despite the threat, you can do many things to prevent your furry friend from getting one.
Give your dog home-cooked well-balanced meals, or at least look for dog foods that have whole food ingredients, including protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Doing so can help boost their immune system.
Please bring them to the vet for regular check-ups at least once a year.
Use preventative heartworm medicine such as Heartgard Plus. This is effective against the juvenile stages of heartworm and treats hookworms and roundworms. Your dog will surely love the beef flavor of Heartgard Plus. Give this preventative treatment to your dog once every month.
Ward off mosquitos and make sure their environment is always clean.
Where Can I Buy Heartgard For My Dog?
You can find Heartgard Plus from 79pets.com. These chewable tablets will keep your dog protected from the deadly disease. After all, the best treatment is always prevention. You can order from them without a vet prescription. The process is easy with 79pets; however, if you wish to be extra cautious, going to your animal doctor is always a good idea before jumping to any conclusion or solution. Doing so will allow you to find the specific culprit for your dog’s symptoms.
Heartworms do not discriminate. They can affect all dog breed types. Make sure you are always ahead against these parasites to ensure that your furry loved ones are safe and sound.
Heartgard is composed of two active ingredients such as Ivermectin and Pyrantel Pamoate. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent that aids in preventing heartworm infection. On the other hand, Pyrantel Pamoate works in eliminating roundworms and hookworms. So mixed, they become a powerful agent that can ward off these unwanted parasites and keep them away from your dog.
Can I Give My Dog Heartworm Medicine Without Testing?
Testing for heartworm is necessary. Annual testing is highly recommended for your dogs. This step will allow you and your vet to come up with solutions to continue to prevent them from getting this life-threatening disease. It is crucial to have them checked regularly because this disease can be very tricky regarding signs and symptoms. Usually, it takes approximately six months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected.
