Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs, cats, and other species of mammals. Heartworms are a type of roundworm, and dogs and cats of any age or breed are susceptible to infection. April is Heartworm Awareness Month so Braxton's is reminding its friends that heartworm disease is preventable.
The American Hearworm Society or AHS recommends that pet owners take steps now to talk to their veterinarian about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease. Heartworm prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive. While treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is possible, it is a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks for infected animals to recover. 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 daily and 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 prevented. These medications interrupt heartworm development before adult worms reach the lungs and cause disease. For more information on Heartworm disease, click here.
Be a responsible pet owner and talk to your veterinarian about heartworm protection.
Upcoming Events:
Mark your calendars and plan to visit Braxton’s as they host local rescue organizations in February. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful pets available for adoption. For more information on any of the following events, click here.
March 30: Pooch Smooch Photography 11-4. (Call for appointment 610-349-9200)