Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm Prevention in Harford County

Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can affect dogs and cats. Pets that have this disease can become dangerously ill due to damage that affects their heart, lungs and other organs. At Pleasantville Animal Hospital of Fallston, we offer heartworm prevention to reduce the risk of this disease in pets.

Puppy and kitty cuddles, heartworm free.

Causes of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease occurs when parasites invade the heart and blood vessels in dogs and cats. These parasites are transmitted through mosquito bites, which makes spring and summer a more likely time for pets to end up with this disease, but we still recommend prevention year round. Once the parasites are inside pets, the adults live in the heart and larger blood vessels, while their offspring live in smaller blood vessels. This disease cannot be transmitted directly from pet to pet, but there are several species of mosquitoes that are capable of spreading these parasites. 

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease typically takes many years to begin causing noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually indicate that infected pets have already suffered damage to their heart and other organs. Some common symptoms of this disease include a dry cough, decreased energy, shortness of breath and restlessness. Pets with this disease might become fatigued after exercising. Other signs include abdominal swelling from fluid buildup, weight loss and anemia.

Heartworm Treatment at Our Veterinary Hospital in Fallston

Pets that have tested positive for heartworm disease require treatment in order to have a chance at recovery. Pets will generally have to take medication for a certain period of time and also come into the clinic for injectable medication. In more advanced cases of heartworm disease, our veterinary team in Fallston typically focuses on treating damage to organs. Bringing pets in for routine checkups helps ensure that we find this disease early before serious organ damage has occurred. We recommend testing for heartworm disease once a year, even while on heartworm prevention.

Heartworm Prevention from Our Veterinarian

Our veterinarian offers heartworm prevention products to significantly lower the risk of heartworm disease. Our office carries two types of heartworm prevention: a monthly chewable (Heartgard, Iverhart, and Interceptor), or shot that lasts 6 months (Proheart). Our vet and staff will go over these options with you to determine which preventative best fits your lifestyle. We require that pets are tested for heartworm disease every year to make sure they are protected. Keep in mind that your pets should have protection from heartworm disease throughout the year, so plan on giving them a preventative product each month rather than only in spring and summer.

Contact Our Veterinarian in Fallston

When your pets need heartworm prevention, please contact Pleasantville Animal Hospital of Fallston to make an appointment. Our veterinarian in Fallston can discuss prevention options, so you can choose the right one to protect your pets from this potentially deadly disease. Give us a call at (410) 877-3838 today!

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Our Locations

Main Office

Monday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:30 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

7:30 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed