Heartgard

There are numerous parasites that can affect your dog’s health, and one of the most deadly is the heartworm. If this is left untreated, it can lead to serious illnesses and in some cases even death. With Heartgard however, this condition can be alleviated.

Before you use the medication, it is important that you have some understanding about how this parasite operates. It is usually transmitted to dogs and other animals by way of mosquito bites. Once the worm has gotten into the body, it will reside in the heart (although in some cases it may end up in other places like the eye or brain). Once it has settled in, the dog may show symptoms like coughing, loss of appetite, weight reduction and in some cases heart failure. It is most apparent in large dogs or those that love to exercise and move around; you will see them get lethargic.

The danger posed by heartworms is accentuated by the fact that symptoms are not always visible, and may only appear when it is too late. Heartgard therefore, should be applied as early as possible. If you want the medication to give your dog maximum benefit, it is best if you take your pet to the vet and have it checked for any signs of the parasite. By having it removed, you can start giving regular doses of the medicine.

It is true that the parasite appears mostly during the summer season; the reason is that for the heartworm to develop in the mosquito, the temprature needs to be at least 26 degrees Celsius. At this level it can grow and transfer to the dog. However it is still crucial that Heartgard be given even during the winter season; the reason for this is that when you stop giving the medication or it is halted, the effect will wear off, and even during the summertime when you resume dosage, it may not give the same protection that it can when the medication is administered continuously.

It will also help a lot if you keep the environment clean. Mosquitoes are attracted to places with damp spots and dirty water, so if you have a garden or yard filled with plants and pots, clean them regularly to keep these parasite carriers at bay.

Heartworms are hazardous parasites, one that can cause discomfort or even death to a pet. However, by giving it regular doses of preventive medication like Heartgard, it can be neutralized effectively and efficiently.

Tags: Heartgard, Cat Meds, Pet Medicine, Pet, Dogs