Allergies
Arthritis
Dental Care
Diarrhea in Your Pet

Early Detection Programs

Fleas
Heartworms in Cats
Heartworms in Dogs
Kitten Care
Overweight Cats
Overweight Dogs
Puppy Care

Reminders

Spay / Neuter
Vaccinations Cats
Vaccinations Dogs

Facts:

► Heartworms can only be transmitted from one animal to another by mosquitoes.

► Indoor dogs are also at risk.

► Heartworm disease can easily be prevented.

► Heartworm preventive should be given year-round since our winters have been much milder in recent years.

Incidence of heartworm cases
in the Lawrence area.

		The adult heartworms live in the heart and major arteries of the lungs. The worms produce microfilariae (baby heartworm larvae), which circulate through the dog's bloodstream.
		Mosquitoes bite a dog infected with heart worms picking up the microfilariae that are circulating in the infected dog’s blood stream. The microfilariae undergo several changes, or molts, in the mosquito’s system. This takes several weeks.
		The infected mosquito bites another dog and transmits the larvae into the dog’s bloodstream.
		Over the next 4-6 months, the heartworm larvae develop and migrate to the dog’s heart and lungs.

What are the clinical signs of heartworm disease?

Heartworms live in the heart and in the major arteries of the lungs. They can grow up to 10-14 inches in length and cause permanent heart and lung damage and even death.

Clinical signs can include:

► Coughing

► Difficulty breathing

► Sluggishness

► Weight loss

► Sudden death

Can heartworms be treated?

If diagnosed early, most dogs can usually be success-fully treated with a recently developed drug called Immiticide. Treatment is expensive, and some dogs may have permanent damage done to the heart and lungs.

Should my dog be tested?

Puppies can start on a preventive without testing. Dogs over six months old could possibly have adult heartworms. They should be blood tested prior to starting the preventive to avoid serious reactions.

Did you know that cats could also get heartworms? There is presently no
treatment for feline heartworm disease, but it can be prevented with Feline
Heartgard tablets or Revolution, a topical gel applied to the skin once a month.

How can I protect my dog from heartworms?

Heartworm infection can easily be prevented with once-a-month tablets that are 100% effective.

Heartworm preventive should be given year-round since our winters have been milder in recent years. Annual re-testing of dogs on heartworm preventive is advised.

All dogs over six months of age should be blood tested prior

to starting the preventive to avoid potential serious reactions.

Tri-Heart Plus

► Once-a-month pork-based, chewable, flavored tablet

► Prevents heartworms

► Also prevents many intestinal parasites

► Click the heart below to receive convenient monthly email reminders when it is time for your pet to receive their next dose of Tri-Heart Plus.

Sentinel

► Once-a-month flavored tablet

► Prevents heartworms

► Also prevents many intestinal parasites

► Very effective flea control

► Click the heart below to receive convenient monthly email reminders when it is time for your pet to receive their next dose of Sentinel.

There is a significant savings when you

purchase a one-year supply of preventive.

Canine Heartworm Disease