5 Tips to Prevent Parasites and Heartworms in Pets

Troublesome little bugs can affect the quality of life of your pet. They are not only annoying to your pet but also quite harmful. One of the deadliest parasites transmitted by mosquitos is heartworm. It is a severe infection that you should not take lightly.

Heartworm infection can lead to heart failure, lung disease, or death. This is especially true in cats, ferrets, and dogs. So, to prevent parasites and heartworms in your pet, here are a few tips.
 

Use Preventative Medicine

Experts recommend the year-round use of preventative medication for pets. Various preventive drugs are available to prevent heartworm and ward off mosquitos. They can be oral or topical and are very effective. After all, preventing the disease is more sensible and less expensive if your pet is, unfortunately, diagnosed with heartworm.

However, these preventative medications do not kill adult worms. Some of them cause severe complications instead. So, before using these medications on your pet, consult your vet.
 

Keeping Your Yard and Home Mosquito-free

Mosquitos are a health hazard to you and your pet in your home. They can breed in stagnant water, whether in large or small amounts. From water stagnating in low-lying areas in your yard to flowerpots, mosquitos will thrive in such environments. Reports indicate mosquitos found nationwide can transmit heartworm. This means your pet is at risk of infection anywhere in the U.S.

For this reason, keeping your yard clean is essential. It minimizes bugs in your home and keeps your pet safer. You can also consult your vet on pet-friendly insecticides that you can use in and around your home. Also, you can use mosquito repellants available locally.
 

Regular Pet Checkups

Schedule an annual comprehensive checkup for your pet. During these checkups, routine heartworm tests are often included. It is the first line of defense in keeping your pet safe. Preventative medications are only available with your pet's doctor’s prescription through a pet pharmacy or the vet. Preventative meds protect against a variety of parasites. Your vet will know the appropriate medication for heartworm disease in your pet.
 

Maintain Your Annual Routine
 

Heartworms can result in lasting damage and significantly affect your pet’s quality of life and health. Heartworms can mature after six months and live in your pet’s body for several years, constantly reproducing. 

After approximately a year, your pet may host hundreds of heartworms, although the average is about 15. They can damage the arteries, heart, and lungs and cause inflammation. The American Heartworm Society recommends an annual heartworm test for your pet.
 

Do Not Miss Doses

Preventive medications are only effective when properly administered. It means administering the medicines in the right dose at the prescribed time. Missing doses may unintentionally put your pet at risk of heartworm infection. For this reason, you can:
 

• Make reminders such as alarms on your phone.

• Schedule medicine administration with mealtimes.

• Follow your vet’s instructions in the letter.

• Realize mistakes happen. When you miss a dose, consult your vet for a solution.

For more tips to prevent parasites and heartworms in pets, visit Allied Animal Healthcare at our office in Riverdale, Georgia. Call (770) 573-2732 to book an appointment today.