Heartworm Prevention Tips

From Your Veterinarian for Eagle, Vail, Avon, and Surrounding Areas

The only way your dog can contract heartworm is through the bite of a mosquito, but there's no way to tell whether or not an individual mosquito is a carrier. This is the reason that heartworm prevention is so important for your dog's good health. One bite from an infected mosquito can give your dog heartworm, and it's been reported in all 50 states. Heartworms can lodge in the heart, the lungs, and the surrounding blood vessels. This affects the dog's entire well-being, and can be fatal if left untreated.

How Our Eagle and Vail Valley Veterinarian Can Help With Heartworm Prevention for Your Pets

Heartworm treatment can be a long and expensive process, but a necessary one if your dog is infected. Your pet will need to be tested, the medication administered on a regular basis, and you pet will need to be kept quiet and calm for at least two months while the medication is working. This is because heartworm medication breaks up the worms in your pet's body, and excess exercise can cause the worm pieces to block important blood vessels.

The best way to deal with heartworm is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Preventive medicine comes in a number of forms, from monthly pills to a six-month vaccination that can be administered in our office. It's less expensive than treatment, and much safer on dogs than treating the parasite once its taken hold. At Mountain Mobile Veterinary Service & Animal Hospital Center we make administering heartworm medication part of your pet's annual wellness exam. We promote heartworm awareness every March, and offer heartworm specials through the entire month.

Contact Mountain Mobile Veterinary Service & Animal Hospital Center Today!

Heartworm is a serious disease that may call for the services of an emergency vet if left to go on for any length of time. For the health and well-being of your furry family member, talk with our veterinarian about heartworm medication the next time you bring your pet in to our office.

For appointments in the Eagle, Vail, and Avon areas, call Mountain Mobile Veterinary Service & Animal Hospital Center at 970-328-7085. We'll be happy to make an appointment that fits in with your busy lifestyle