Lakeland Veterinary Hospital

 

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~Heartworm Season Is Here!~

 
Heartworm season is here, and there’s good news and bad. The good news is that there continues to be a decline in the overall number of canine heartworm cases reported in Minnesota. The bad news is that the range of the disease continued to expand. What this means is that the disease itself is becoming more widespread, but the increased level of awareness among dog owners and the availability of effective preventative medication has resulted in a reduction in the number of actual heartworm infestations reported.

While this is essentially a positive development, it has the potential to give pet owners a false sense of security and cause them to become lax about heartworm testing and the administration of heartworm preventative. Do not allow yourself to become complacent—your pet’s life may depend on it. Have your dog tested for heartworm every spring, even if it tested negative for heartworm the previous year. This is critically important!
Unfortunately, there are a growing number of dog owners who believe that if they have been conscientious about giving their dog the preventative, their dog will remain heartworm-free year after year. Why, they ask, should their dog be tested every spring? There are hundreds of scenarios they should consider, such as the dog that receives his preventative right on schedule, then eats some grass half an hour later and, unbeknown to the owner, vomits the pill. That dog will go without heartworm preventative for 60 days—ample time to contract the disease. Also, heartworm medication is not infallible. No medication is. For whatever reason, we have seen some cases of heartworm infestation in dogs that were ostensibly on preventative, so heartworm testing is not an option; it is a necessity.
The diagnosis of canine heartworm disease is accomplished by laboratory blood tests. If the test proves negative, the preventative medication program should be initiated. If the test proves positive, the disease can usually be treated, but treatment is expensive and not without certain risks.

Monthly preventative medication is not expensive, costing $30 - $44 for a 6-month supply for all but the largest breeds. Adding to the value, Heartgard Plus also controls roundworm and hookworm. It’s very important to begin medicating on June 1st, and to give all six monthly doses.

Once again, you should have your dog tested each year before using any heartworm medication.

 

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