Why Gulf Coast Dogs Need Year-Round Heartworm Prevention
In some states—the cooler, Northern ones that spend half the year entombed in snow—heartworm is mainly a springtime and summertime concern. Unfortunately for those of us in the Gulf Coast, that’s not the case for us. Here, heartworm prevention is a year-round affair.
The team at Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital would like to share why heartworm prevention in Mobile, AL and the rest of the Gulf Coast is key—and how to stay on top of this crucial pet-parent responsibility.
Heartworm Disease: What it Is and Why You Don’t Want Your Pets to Get It
Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes from host to host—and dogs happen to be one of the most ideal heartworm hosts around. Mosquitos can deposit heartworm larvae into dogs anytime they bite them—which, if you’ve ever, well, been outside during any time of the year in the Gulf Coast, can happen a bajillion times a day.
Over the course of 6 to 7 months, the larvae develop into adult heartworms—if the dog has no heartworm preventive in her system to stop the development and kill any larvae or young adults in their tracks. Adult heartworms then find places in your dog’s body—namely your pup’s heart, lungs, and the associated blood vessels—to live, grow, and reproduce.
Before too long, the presence of the heartworms interferes with the body’s ability to function properly. And without prompt, and often costly and risky treatment, canines will ultimately succumb to heartworm disease.
The excellent news is that heartworm can be prevented with the preventive medications veterinarians have at their disposal today.
How Do Heartworm Preventives Work, and What Types Are There?
Heartworm preventives work by stopping the lifecycle of any heartworm larvae that get deposited into your pet by a mosquito. Preventives only work if the heartworms have not yet matured into adults.
For this reason, puppies can start receiving heartworm preventives at 8 weeks of age. Adult pets who have not yet been on heartworm preventives, or who have not taken them routinely, need to get tested—and potentially treated—for heartworm first.
And if you’re worried about trying to fit a daily or even monthly preventive medication into your busy schedule, fear not. Many heartworm preventive options exist today, including:
Monthly chewable tablets, which can be taken at monthly intervals- Monthly topical medications
- Combination products that also protect your pet against intestinal parasites and/or fleas and ticks
- Long-acting injectable heartworm prevention, which your veterinarian can give your pet every 6 or 12 months
Your veterinary team can help you decide which heartworm preventive is best for your dog and your lifestyle.
Alabama Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
If it’s been a while since you had your pup on heartworm preventive medication, bring him in for an assessment as soon as possible. Heartworm disease can be treatable, but the earlier we catch and treat it, the better chance your dog has for a healthy outcome.
After treatment, we can get your dog on a preventive to make sure he stays heartworm-free for years to come. The caring team at Great Oaks Veterinary Hospital is dedicated to helping dogs stay heartworm-free year-round here in the Gulf Coast. Call us at (251) 639-7414 to help prevent this mosquito-borne disease in dogs.
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