Heartworm Heartworm (Microfilaria dimmitis) is a parasite that is transmitted from pet to pet by mosquitoes. Both dogs and cats can contract heartworm.
Cats For a heartworm positive cat to show positive on a test it must have both male and female worms present and a minimum of three worms in the body. However, just one worm can prove fatal to a cat. Symptoms of heartworm disease can include coughing, but the most common symptoms is early death. There is no treatment available. A small amount of cats that become infected outlive the worm (whose life expectancy is about 2 years). It is safe to start cats on heartworm prevention, even if they have heartworm disease. Heartworm prevention is recommended monthly, year round to indoor and outdoor cats.
Products Available:
Heartgard (oral) – Monthly prevention that guards against heartworm and hookworm.
Revolution (topical) – Monthly prevention that guards against heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, ear mites and fleas.
Advantage Multi (topical)- Monthly prevention that guards against heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, fleas and ear mites.
Dogs It is dangerous to give heartworm prevention to dogs that are positive for heartworm disease. In accordance with the American Heartworm Society, we test dogs annually. The benefits of year round protection include parasite control and ease of remembering to give the medication. The minimum recommendation for giving heartworm prevention is May 1st through December 1st . This protects from April through November. (Be warned: Mosquitoes may arrive earlier or stay later if seasons are uncharacteristic)
Puppies Puppies should be started on heartworm prevention at six weeks of age. They may be kept on year round prevention, but must be tested when old enough minimally 9 months of age or at discretion of the doctor. After their first test, they are then tested annually. (Example: A puppy born in January will start prevention on the first visit, then tested following spring).
Products Available:
Heartgard Plus (oral) Monthly prevention of heartworms, roundworms and hookworms. (Will also back product if positive for whipworms). If positive for hooks, whips or rounds after even a single dose, the manufacturer will pay for diagnostics and treatment.
****This guarantee is only valid if the medication is purchased from a veterinarian, not if ordered via the internet.****
Sentinel (oral) Monthly prevention of heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and sterilization of fleas. If positive for hooks, whips or rounds after even a single dose, the manufacturer will pay for diagnostics and treatment.
****This guarantee is only valid if the medication is purchased from a veterinarian, not if ordered via the internet.****
Advantage Multi (topical) Monthly prevention of heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and fleas.