FOXY DOXYS

Heartworm prevention is a must here in Delaware, and also the rest of the United States. Many cases are seen by vets far too often. Be sure to discuss this topic with your vet. Your puppy should be started on heartworm prevention by 3 to 5 months of age. There is a monthly pill or treat form available.

Heartworms grow in your dogs heart. They can get quite large. Heartworm disease is caused by the bite of a mosquito. Even house-dogs need to be on the prevention. I am sure that you live indoors but yet have been bitten by a mosquito before! A dog can have heartworms for years before you notice any symptoms. By then there can be considerable damage done to the heart. This disease, if left to go it's path, is fatal. It is diagnosed with a blood test. The treatment for heartworm disease can cost you several hundred dollars and can be risky for some dogs, depending on their age and health status. After treatment, your dog can get it again if not put on prevention.

The medication for prevention ONLY PREVENTS infection. Therefore it is of utmost importance that you give it when it is due. If you are using the monthly form and you are more than 10 days past due, then contact your vet before giving it to your dog. Your vet may decide to do a blood test at some point. Once your dog is heartworm positive the prevention is useless. Some people only give the preventive seasonally. If it's warm enough for mosquitoes to still be alive or to hatch out, dogs need to be on the prevention. It is safer to keep them on it year round.

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