Spring brings beautiful colors and dangers to our dogs. Many of these problems may develop at any time of year, but their frequency increases in the spring and summer. Heartworms, a mosquito spread disease, may spread in the winter season when day time temperatures are above 60 degrees for 3 days or longer. However, the number of cases dramatically increases during the spring and summer. The American Heartworm Society estimates that there will be 300,000 dogs infected in 2018 with this fatal disease. Additionally, it is alarming that the American Heartworm Society has seen a 21.7% increase in heartworm disease since Hurricane Katrina. The spread of the disease is continental now due to infected dogs being adopted by various people throughout the United States.
Important Facts:
• It takes one mosquito bite to infect your dog.
• Heartworms is a year round disease in most areas of the US
• Treatment of infected dogs is helpful, but there is always permanent damage to the heart.
• Heartworms may also damage other organs such as lungs and kidneys.
• Only you are able to prevent Heartworms from infecting your dog.
There are excellent products available to prevent Heartworms. Most available products depend on a precise schedule to be effective. That is, no lags, no skips, no vomiting, no forgetfulness. Products that are included in this stringent schedule are: Sentiniel, Interceptor, Heartgard, and Trifexis. When given as directed every 30 days, precisely on schedule, they are effective. They must be given year round in this part of the country. If late, for any reason, then the dog is at risk for Heartworms.
2018 Recommendations
Busy schedules often prevent precise and consistent 30 day schedules. A better solution is an injection required every 6 months. ProHeart 6, is the solution; an injection given every 6 months. Proheart removes the stress of monthly medication, which in turn allows us to enjoy the summer with our dog.
Please, don’t allow your dog to become a Heartworm statistic. Protect your dog with ProHeart 6!
