It only takes one bite from a mosquito, tick, or flea to cause health problems for your pet. Dogs and cats alike are enticing targets for common parasites like fleas, ticks, and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. These pests prefer to feed on warm-blooded animals, and our pets are the perfect targets. But in addition to snacking on our pets, these parasites can also potentially infect them with infectious diseases. Acton Animal Hospital is dedicated to minimizing the threat of parasites in dogs and cats with routine parasite prevention. This includes high-quality preventive medications and yearly parasite screens.
Make sure your pet is current and fully covered with their parasite preventives. Call us at (978) 263-7477 or schedule an appointment today!
Getting to the Heart of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm-carrying mosquitos represent a potentially lethal danger to your pet. The mosquito’s bite transmits the heartworm larvae to your dog or cat, which then slowly develops and makes its way toward the heart. Once there, it multiplies within your pet’s pulmonary artery, leading to constricted blood flow, heart disease, and major organ failure. In severe cases, heartworm disease can be fatal. Additionally, the condition is only treatable in dogs if it happens to be caught in time.
This makes heartworm prevention a major pillar in your pet’s parasite prevention strategy.
The Keys to Preventing Parasites in Dogs and Cats
Treating your pet with flea, tick, and heartworm preventives on a regular basis is essential to preventing infestations and parasitic diseases. We also recommend annual parasite screens and other lab workups to check on your pet’s internal health. Often, parasite-transmitted diseases can take time to reveal their symptoms, and we want to protect your pet from any needless discomfort or illness.
Above all, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian at Acton Animal Hospital. Our team will give you the information you need to safeguard your four-legged family member while also keeping your home pest-free.
If you have any questions or need an appointment, call us today at (978) 263-7477!