Heartworm Disease

Your pet can get heartworms by the bite of an infected mosquito. There’s no other way they get heartworms. And there’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected. That’s why prevention is so important. Most people only think of heartworms and prevention with dogs, but cats and ferrets are susceptible as well.

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. And the bite of just one mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your pet heartworm disease.

Due to the potential severity of both the disease and its treatment, prevention is a step all pet owners across the U.S. should practice. Concerned owners should consult with their veterinarian on preventive medication. Since mosquitoes are the transmitters of heartworm, mosquito control is another important step pet owners can take in preventing infection.

There are things you can do to protect your animals from mosquito borne diseases, in addition to a monthly heartworm preventative.

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

There are many types of heartworm prevention on the market, some are topical some are oral pills or chews. Please give us a call at (727) 796-2552 and we will help you select the best one for your pet.