At Pet Medical Center of Westerville in Westerville, OH, we often treat dogs with heartworm. We can treat heartworm if it is caught early enough. However, the best treatment for heartworm is prevention. Our veterinarian, Dr. Nowery, can help you prevent your dog from getting heartworm in the first place. Read on to learn more about heartworm and how you can avoid it.
What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a parasite that affects dogs. It can infest cats, but heartworm infestations in cats usually go away on their own very quickly. However, heartworm can be a severe problem for dogs. If left untreated for long enough, it could even prove fatal. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to prevent heartworm.
Preventing Heartworm
Our veterinarian will effectively prevent heartworm by giving your dog regular medication. This medication ensures that if a heartworm does enter your dog's bloodstream, it will die almost immediately. In the past, only monthly pills were available for preventative heartworm treatment. However, there is now an injection for heartworm prevention. This injection is effective for six months.
Pet Heartworm Treatment
If you suspect your pet may have a heartworm infestation, you should check for the common symptoms of this disease. Common heartworm symptoms include lethargy, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, you should take them to the vet immediately.
We can treat a heartworm infestation if the infestation is caught early enough. However, a potent medication is required that may cause side effects. Also, your dog will have to rest for several weeks. However, they can participate in physical activities once your vet has cleared them. As both a heartworm infection and its treatment can be tough on dogs, we strongly recommend that you focus on preventing your pet from contracting heartworm in the first place.
Make an Appointment with Our Vet
If you suspect your pet may have heartworm, make an appointment at the Pet Medical Center of Westerville today. Our veterinarian in Westerville, OH, is very experienced in pet heartworm treatment and pet heartworm prevention. When you bring your dog in, he will examine them and quickly determine if they are suffering from heartworm. If they aren't, he can prescribe preventative medicine. If they are, he can treat the disease. Make an appointment with our vet today by calling (614) 882-7700.