Clinic Bulletin Board

1) Spring/Summer Safety Tips
2) Fall/Winter Pet Safety Tips
3) Top 10 Flea Myths
4) Heartworm Disease Q & A
5) 8 People Foods Toxic to Pets
6) Pet Friendly People Foods
7) Dog Lover's Gold

Can My Dog Get Heartworm Disease?
It's one of the most common and dangerous canine illnesses.
Some Questions and Answers for Dog Owners

Q: Can my dog get heartworm disease?
A: Yes. Your dog can get heartworm disease, whether he is an "outside" dog or even if he stays in most of the time. Dogs get heartworm disease from mosquitoes. It is the female mosquito that bites and transmits the infection. Female mosquitoes are very tiny and can easily slip through cracks around windows, doors, and screens. Every dog can be at risk, indoors or outdoors.

Q: Are some dogs more susceptible than others? A: Unfortunately, no dog, or breed of dog is immune to heartworm disease. The mosquito that bites your dog could be carrying this common-and deadly-parasite. One bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for your dog to become infected.

Q: How can I know for sure if my dog has heartworm? A: The only way to know for sure is to have your veterinarian examine and test your dog. The procedure is quick and easy. But don't delay in calling your veterinarian to arrange a heartworm test. If your dog gets heartworm disease, treatment can be dangerous for them and expensive for you.

Q: When is the right time for my dog to get tested? A: Mosquitoes, the carriers of heartworm disease, can be found at varying times of the year depending on the climate. We usually heartworm test in the spring. It takes 6 months from the time your dog is infected with heartworm for the test to become positive. When we test in the spring we are testing for the previous year.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting heartworm disease? A: As long as your dog is determined to be negative for heartworm, he or she can be put on an easy, convenient and inexpensive preventative medication that is given once a month. Remember, the most important first step is having your dog tested.