This winter's mild temperatures have made the coming spring and summer seasons look like a nightmare for dog owners, as fleas, ticks and mosquitoes will be out in droves. While infestations are certainly on the mind, many pet parents are far more concerned about the risk of heartworm. This potentially-deadly ailment is a parasite spread by mosquitoes that can reproduce in a canine's bloodstream and can cause blockage in the dog's heart. According to DogChannel.com, there are various ways to protect your canine from the risk of heartworm to give you peace of mind throughout the season.
1. A monthly heartworm medication. Even during the winter months, dogs should be given a monthly heartworm medication that can eliminate the larvae in the bloodstream that can gradually mature into a full-grown worm. Thankfully, most of the products on the market are in tablet form, so you can give it to your furry friend at the same time you apply a flea treatment to ensure that he's fully-protected.
2. Make regular veterinary visits. This spring is expected to be one of the worst years in recent memory in terms of parasites, so make an effort to regularly visit the vet and perform blood work. It is far easier to treat a potential heartworm infestation if the worms are caught early in their life cycle, and vets can catch these changes in a routine blood sample, according to PetMD. This is also a great chance to go over the many heartworm medication options that are out there to find the ideal choice for your canine.
3. Flea and tick treatments. Since heartworm is transferred by mosquitoes, using an effective topical treatment is another weapon in your arsenal. Hartz UltraGuard Pro Flea and Tick Drops for Dogs can help to eliminate fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on contact for up to 30 days. The topical drops are placed at the skin level between a dog's shoulder blades and down the length of his back to the tail to provide superior protection.
Heartworm is one of the most dangerous parasites that can afflict your furry friend, and this year looks to be one of the worst in terms of mosquito populations. Thankfully, there are plenty of quality topical products and medications that can prevent heartworm and keep your companion healthy and happy throughout the season.
