Protecting Your Dog or Cat from Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a severe condition that can lead to the death of your dog or cat. A great heartworm treatment is prevention, and a White Marsh, MD, veterinarian on our veterinary team can help with medication and advice to keep your pets safe from heartworm. We at White Marsh Animal Hospital can help protect your pets from these nasty parasites and provide additional information about heartworm treatment and prevention.

Heartworm Treatment and Prevention

Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites infected with a parasitic worm. A veterinarian on our veterinary team can help with heartworm treatment and prevention, including prescribing oral pills to help prevent the parasites from growing and being transmitted to your dog or cat.

Additionally, communities can help control mosquito populations through various pet-friendly methods. For example, some methods can be done in your yard to help with mosquito control to help keep your pet safe from these nasty parasites. Some ways to prevent mosquitoes from being in your yard include cleaning up any debris to eliminate hiding places, clearing out standing water, and planting mosquito-repelling plants throughout the yard.

How Parasites Affect Your Dog or Cat

Pets are the host, and the worms begin to grow and reproduce once infected. If left untreated, the worms can grow out of control, clogging your pet’s circulatory system. As the worms grow, pets can experience cardiovascular issues, which may lead to their death. Common symptoms of heartworm disease can include a dry, persistent cough, lethargy, weight loss, and trouble breathing. It is important to bring your dog or cat to a veterinarian if they have heartworms as it will likely kill them if it get out of hand.

Get Heartworm Treatment from a Veterinarian on Our Veterinary Team

If your dog or cat has not been given any form of heartworm prevention medications, a veterinarian with us at White Marsh Animal Hospital in White Marsh, MD, can help. Call our office at (410) 335-8400 to learn more about how we can help prevent your pets from getting heartworm and treat those pets who have been exposed to the parasites.