Dogs, cats, and even ferrets can contract heartworm disease, which is a serious and sometimes lethal illness. Heartworm, which is caused by parasitic worms and spread by mosquito bites, can cause organ damage, cardiac failure, and serious lung illness. Thankfully, this illness can be avoided with the help of monthly heartworm prevention drugs. Your pet’s first line of defense is these simple medicines. Prevention, in our opinion, is the key to long-term health at Abbotsford Valley Animal Emergency, which is situated on McCallum Road Unit C in Abbotsford, BC. We go over how these monthly drugs function in this article and why it’s so important to take them consistently.
1. Their Activities
Monthly heartworm treatments eradicate the immature larvae (microfilariae) before they mature and travel to the heart and lungs, rather than killing adult heartworms. These drugs efficiently interrupt the heartworm life cycle before it causes damage when taken as prescribed.
2. Their Operation
These preventives function by focusing on the heartworm parasite Dirofilaria immitis at its larval stage. The drug, which is typically administered once a month, destroys any larvae that have been introduced to your pet’s circulation from mosquito bites within the last 30 days.
3. Topical, Injectable, and Oral Choices
Monthly heartworm preventives come in a variety of forms:
Oral chews or tablets: Simple to administer with meals.
Topical treatments: administered topically and taken up by the bloodstream.
Every six or twelve months, a veterinarian administers injectable preventives.
The ideal kind for your pet’s requirements might be suggested by your veterinarian.
4. Integrated Defense
Numerous monthly heartworm treatments also offer protection against fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. They are a practical, one-stop option for shielding your pet from several dangers with a single dosage because of their extensive coverage.
5. The Importance of Timing
Only larvae introduced within the past month can be killed by these drugs. Worms can mature if you miss even one dose, leaving your cat vulnerable. For this reason, it is essential to administer the prescription on schedule each month.
6. The Best Is All Year Round
Preventing heartworms is not limited to the warmer months. Mosquitoes may endure mild winters and indoor environments. Your pet may become vulnerable if you skip dosages during the colder months, especially given the unpredictability of the weather. For complete coverage, we advise year-round protection.
7. Vet-approved and Safe
Veterinarians have approved, tested, and proven the safety of monthly heartworm preventives. Mild side effects are uncommon. Never use dog preventives on cats or vice versa—they are not interchangeable—and always abide by your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations.
8. Only Prescription Drugs—With Good Cause
The drug is only accessible with a veterinarian prescription due to its potency and the need for precise dosage. Before beginning prevention, your veterinarian will make sure your pet is heartworm-negative because administering preventives to an infected pet can lead to difficulties.
9. Testing Must Continue on a Regular Basis
Annual heartworm tests are advised even when taking preventives. No drug is 100% effective, and if an infection does develop, early identification is essential. Frequent testing keeps your pet safe and guarantees that your preventative strategy is effective.
10. Prevention Is Less Expensive Than Therapy
Heartworm disease is costly, dangerous, and painful for pets to treat. It entails many trips to the veterinarian, rigorous rest, and strong drugs. Monthly preventive, on the other hand, is simple, inexpensive, and helps your pet avoid needless pain.
It is not only advised but also required to avoid heartworms on a monthly basis. These drugs are a straightforward but effective way to shield your pet from a dangerous and possibly fatal illness. We at Abbotsford Valley Animal Emergency, situated at McCallum Rd Unit C in Abbotsford, BC, are ready to assist you in selecting the best protection strategy for your pet throughout the year. Heartworm is best prevented rather than treated, so don’t wait for symptoms to show up. Give us a call at +1 604-850-0911 to arrange a check-up or to find out more. The happiness and well-being of your pet depend on it.
