At Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX, we are dedicated to helping pets stay healthy and protected year-round. Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition affecting dogs and cats. Our veterinarians stress the importance of proactive heartworm prevention as an essential part of your pet’s overall health care.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the pet’s bloodstream, these worms grow and settle in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. In dogs, this can lead to severe damage to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, while in cats, even a few worms can cause life-threatening complications.
Why Prevention is Essential
Heartworm disease is preventable but not easily treatable once established. Treatment for heartworms is costly, involves multiple vet visits, and can be dangerous for your pet. Prevention, on the other hand, is simple, safe, and affordable. Using preventive medications consistently is the best way to protect your pet from this dangerous condition.
Options for Heartworm Prevention
At Shelley Drive Animal Clinic, we offer several effective options for heartworm prevention tailored to your pet’s needs:
• Oral Medications: Monthly chewable tablets are easy to administer and provide reliable protection.
• Topical Medications: These are applied directly to your pet’s skin and offer monthly heartworm prevention while also addressing other parasites like fleas and ticks.
• Injections: For dogs, an injectable preventive can provide protection for six or twelve months, eliminating the need for monthly dosing.
Our veterinarians will help you select the best option based on your pet’s lifestyle and medical history.
Year-Round Prevention is Necessary
While heartworms are most commonly spread during mosquito season, mosquitoes can survive and remain active indoors or during mild winters. Year-round prevention ensures your pet is continuously protected, reducing the risk of infection even during cooler months. Skipping doses or stopping prevention during the winter can leave your pet vulnerable.
Regular Testing is Important
Even pets on consistent prevention should undergo annual heartworm testing. Testing ensures that your pet remains free of heartworms and helps identify infections early if they occur. At Shelley Drive Animal Clinic, our veterinary team recommends testing during your pet’s wellness exams to ensure comprehensive care.
Contact Shelley Drive Animal Clinic
If you’re looking for a veterinarian near you, Shelley Drive Animal Clinic in Tyler, TX, offers trusted care for heartworm prevention and treatment. Our veterinary hospital provides personalized attention to help keep your pets healthy and safe from parasites and other preventable diseases.
To learn more about heartworm prevention or to schedule an appointment, call Shelley Drive Animal Clinic at (903) 561-7373 today. Let us help you protect your pet from heartworm disease and ensure a happy, healthy future.