Mosquitoes really suck! Not only do they sneak into our houses and swarm us as soon as we go outside (even if just for a moment), they can also spread disease when they bite. Heartworm disease is among those diseases and has been documented in all 50 states in both dogs and cats.
The good news is that we can safely protect the pets we love, and with the ProHeart 6 or ProHeart 12 injection, we can do it more effectively – and less frequently to boot!
A Primer
Heartworm disease is passed from an infected mosquito to a victim via a single mosquito bite. Microscopic worms enter a host’s bloodstream and eventually settle in the major vessels in and around the heart and lungs. Within 7 months, the heartworms mature and release young worms back into the bloodstream where they can be potentially picked up by another mosquito.
Perpetuating the Cycle
In the early stages of heartworm disease, owners may not see any troubling signs at all. However, over time the following symptoms may start to surface:
- Coughing
- Fatigue when exercising
- Changes in appetite
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
There is no cure for heartworm disease in cats. We can treat dogs with heartworm disease, but it can be incredibly taxing to their physical health – and your wallet. What’s worse is that any damage to the heart and lungs cannot be reversed.
Every 6 Months or 12 Months, You Choose!
The concept of parasite prevention has never been as easy as it is with the ProHeart 6 Injection and the ProHeart 12 Injection.
As the names imply, ProHeart 6 lasts for 6 months, and ProHeart 12 lasts for a full 12 months. Once the injection has been administered in the office, your pet is protected from heartworm disease for 6 or 12 months (depending on the ProHeart chosen), instead of a monthly oral dose every month, this method reduces missed doses and is 100% effective.
Of course, before giving them the injection we must run a heartworm test to make sure that your pet doesn’t have the disease. If your pet is new to ProHeart, we’ll run this test for free.
At your pet’s appointment we can discuss at length your pet’s lifestyle, behaviors, and general health patterns. Once they receive the initial ProHeartinjection, we’ll schedule you for their next dose so they get full year-round protection.
Stopping Heartworm Disease in Pets
At Berkeley Veterinary Center our veterinarians and staff members are committed to keeping your pet healthy and happy. If we can assist you further with questions related to heartworm disease or the ProHeart 6 or 12 injections, please contact us.