8 Things You Need To Know About Heartworms (Part 2)

At Brook Farm Veterinary Center, our goal is to be a Patterson veterinary center you can rely on. We prefer a consultative approach, one that gives you the answers you need to make the best healthcare decisions for your pet.

In this post, we’re continuing our mini series on heartworms and giving you the knowledge you need to be prepared to care for your furry friend that is now suffering or could from this common, but dangerous, parasite.

Heartworms May Lead To Caval Syndrome If Left Untreated

If your dog’s worm burden reaches a certain extent, this can lead to a large mass of worms blocking the flow of blood to the heart, also known as Caval Syndrome. This is a serious matter and will need emergency surgery to remove the worms.

On top of that, this is an incredibly risky surgery that a large number of dogs do not survive. And even if they do, they almost always sustain permanent damage to major organs. 

Prevention Is Always Better Than Treatment

While this is an obvious statement, it bears repeating if it helps pet owners be proactive in their health care. While heartworm treatment is certainly possible, allowing your dog to get to the point where they need treatment can be problematic. Blood clots and a reaction to the death of the heartworms are a common occurence.

You’ll spend a lot less money (up to 15 times less), and suffer a lot less heartache, if you nip this problem in the bud and put your dog on a heartworm prevention regimen. Best of all, you can be confident that you’re taking the best care you can of your canine companion.

Also, keep in mind that heartworm preventive medicine must be given by prescription and is made specifically for different breeds. That’s why it’s essential to speak to your local veterinary clinic about the right medication for your dog.  

You Have To Be Strict With Your Heartworm Care Regimen

We understand that it’s easy to forget a new pet care routine, so we wanted to make sure this point sticks. Each dose of heartworm preventative medicine must be given in strict accordance with the prescription or you risk the treatment not working. Follow the directions laid out by your vet and you should be just fine.

Visit Brook Farm Veterinary Clinic Today

As you can see, when it comes to heartworm prevention and treatment, you want to take a proactive approach with a trusted and knowledgeable veterinarian.

When you choose Brook Farm Veterinary Clinic, you can be confident that you’re working with knowledgeable, caring veterinarians who will always do what's best for you and your furry friend. Whether it’s heartworms, surgery, or even veterinary telemedicine, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us online to schedule your appointment. And if you’re a first time customer, we’re happy to do a free initial consultation, so you can see what we’re all about and feel at ease leaving your pet’s care to us. Thanks for reading!


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