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Heartworms are one of the most common, and preventable, ailments pets face in Mississippi. Responsible Pet Care in Gulfport MS requires pet parents to understand the risks and know what options are available. Cats are vulnerable to heartworms too, but not at the rate of dogs. Even a young, healthy dog can lose their life to these parasites if they are not caught early or if the owner cannot afford the treatment to eradicate them.
What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms transferred to a dog through a mosquito bite. Once the worm larvae are injected into the bloodstream it travels to the pulmonary artery where it stays and matures. Eventually, it grows and extends into the heart chambers and lungs. If multiple larvae enter the bloodstream the worms will mate, reproduce and eventually clog the heart and lungs.
How do preventative medications work?
Heartworm prevention uses a monthly medication that kills the larvae. The problem is that it will not kill mature heartworms. This is why veterinarians suggest testing any animal that has not consistently remained on the medicine. The preventatives are only effective if the correct dosage is provided. Pets have been infected while on a preventative because their weight was underestimated.
How are heartworms treated?
Pet Care in Gulfport MS does include treatment, but it is not guaranteed to save the life of the pet. Medication is injected into the infected pet that kills the worms over time. It takes three injections to kill adult worms. The pet is still at risk because the worms can clog the heart vessels as they die. Curing the pet does not make them immune from future infection.
It is not unusual for pet owners to avoid preventative medications because of the cost. Owning a pet is expensive and many owners struggle to meet all of their needs. However, with heartworms the risk of contracting the parasite is great and the cost of the preventative pills are only a few dollars each month. Treating the illness can cost thousands and may cost the pet its life. Visit website to schedule a heartworm test and to learn more about preventative measures pet owners can take against heartworms and many other common illnesses.
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