Parasites are a great concern when you have a pet that can lead to serious diseases and complications when left unattended. One such parasitic condition to be aware of is heartworm. With proper care and taking preventative measures, you can avoid subjecting your pet to the dangers that pests create. Work closely with your local Rockford-area veterinarian as listed below or one closest to your home to keep your pet pest-free.
Heartworm is a parasite that lives within the arteries of the heart and lungs and is most often passed on to other animals and sometimes humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with microfilaria. Pets of any species, sex and age can be susceptible to heartworm.
The disease begins with the mosquito bite and as eggs are laid, the larvae get under the skin and migrate there for several months until it enters the pet’s blood stream and tissue. As they mature into adulthood, these worms move rapidly through the arteries and continue to reproduce, causing your pet to have difficulties in breathing.
When a dog or cat has heartworm, symptoms are not noticeable in the early stages. It is only until the condition worsens. Symptoms in a dog with heartworm are a loss of appetite, lethargy, a strong persistent cough and constant fatigue. It is more difficult to note symptoms in a cat since the signs can mimic other feline problems. By the time the condition is detected, it may be too late to treat it.
Prevention is the best option before your pet is even infested with a parasite. Get your pet examined yearly at which time it will have blood drawn to be sure the pet is heartworm-free. At that time, a medication will be prescribed monthly to prevent heartworm.
If the pet is diagnosed with heartworm, a different form of treatment must be planned to treat the problem and avoid adverse reactions that could otherwise be brought on from a preventative. Treatment is very effective unless the heartworm is in its advanced stage. Once treated and heartworm-free, your pet can then be put on a preventative medication. When it comes to the feline, most doctors prefer a more supportive therapy treatment since they are more sensitive to other methods.
Heartworm is a problem that can affect any animal at any time in any area. Be sure to have your dog or cat tested and treated yearly to prevent the onset of such a condition that could otherwise become fatal.
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If you are seeking Veterinary assistance in the Rockford area, you can check out one of these at - Rockford Vet Clinics, Bellwood Vet, Rockford Veterinarians, Perryville Veterinarian , Cat Veterinarians Specialists
For all your pets needs and accessories in the Rockford area, go to your local PETCO - 6305 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 229-0184 - Petco or your local PETSMART - 6320 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108, (815) 397-7880 - Petsmart -PETLAND, (815) 332-4200 - Petland
For many of your pet essentials, visit your local Rockford-area CVS pharmacies. There are four convenient locations - 3134 11th Street, Rockford, IL 61109, (815)398-0048 - 110 S Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61108 - 3718 Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103, (815)877-9620 - 2454 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108, (815)399-5421 - CVS Pharmacy
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