Both dogs and cats get heartworm disease. Mosquitoes transmit the disease by biting an infected animal, then passing the infection on to other animals they bite. Heartworm disease affects cats differently than dogs, but the disease is equally serious.
Thankfully, heartworm disease is preventable! We recommend that all pet owners take steps now to talk to us about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease. Treatment of heartworm disease in dogs can be a complicated, expensive and potentially risky process, taking weeks for infected animals to recover. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so it is imperative that disease prevention measures be taken for cats. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection in both dogs and cats, including monthly tablets and chewables, monthly topicals and a six-month injectable product available only for dogs. All of these methods are extremely effective, and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely and safely prevented. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and cause disease.
When fleas are found on a pet, unfortunately they only represent a small fraction of an infestation. The immature stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) can usually be found inside the home, especially in carpeting, bedding and furniture. When a recommended product is applied, it begins killing the adult fleas on the pet. As the immature stages of fleas begin to mature, they too will be killed as soon as they jump on to the pet. It may take 3-4 monthly treatments to eliminate an infestation, so it is always best to prevent infestations before they occur.
We recommend all pets use a monthly flea preventative. Fleas can live in a heated home or lay dormant in your house during the winter waiting for the warmer weather. In many cases we recommend using a flea preventative with your pets all year.