The Long-Term Impact of Heartworms on Pets

Parasites pose a threat to the long-term health of our precious pets. If you’re a dog owner, you should be especially wary of heartworms. Here at Oxford Animal Hospital, we aim to help pet owners protect their beloved companions from heartworms and their life-threatening complications. Whether you’re seeking heartworm testing or treatment, you can visit our location serving The Villages, FL, for assistance.

Heartworm disease is not an issue you can afford to take lightly. Take this opportunity to learn more about it and understand why consulting a veterinarian near you can help.

What Are the Dangers of Heartworm Disease?

What makes heartworm disease such a troublesome condition to deal with is the deadly symptoms and the long and pain treatment process. Early on, your infected pet may present no symptoms. You may not even suspect your pet has a heartworm infection unless you take him in for testing.

As your pet’s condition worsens, he may display more systems of the infection. Once the infection sets in, your dog may tire faster and become reluctant to exercise. He may also develop a cough and start spitting up blood. Infected dogs may also experience labored breathing, and fainting.

Unfortunately, those are far from the worst complications of heartworm disease. If left untreated, a heartworm infection could eventually lead to heart failure.

Acting with urgency against heartworms is important. Work closely with a veterinarian near you to keep your pet protected against that disease.

How Can a Veterinarian Protect Your Pet Against a Heartworm Infestation?

Treatment is available for heartworm disease but it’s an option you want to avoid as much as possible. The currently available treatments for heartworm infections also pose some significant side effects. The best way to protect your pet from heartworm is to prevent an infection from happening in the first place.

The good news is that that are a number of different preventative medication for heartworm. A veterinarian on our veterinary team can walk you through the different types of medication and which ones are best for your pet.

Get Pet Care and Heartworm Treatment from a Veterinarian Near You

Protecting your pet against heartworm disease requires a proactive approach and we at Oxford Animal Hospital, serving The Villages, FL, can help you get the preventative care your pet may need. Contact us today and let’s discuss your pet’s heartworm prevention. Call us at (352) 461-1346 for pet care from a veterinarian near you.