Heartworm Treatment and Prevention
Heartworm disease can result in serious consequences for dogs and cats. The adverse effects of the disease include permanent damage to the lungs and heart as well as the development of heartworm associated respiratory disease. Death may occur in serious cases. Your pet’s quality of life can improve with heartworm treatment and prevention. At All Friends Veterinary Hospital in East Islip, NY, we strongly encourage pet owners to practice heartworm prevention.
What Is Heartworm Prevention?
A heartworm prevention regimen involves a monthly preventative medicine and annual testing for the disease. All cats and dogs should be tested for the disease before starting them on a monthly preventative. If the pet does not need to undergo heartworm treatment, then preventative medicine should be given with food on the same day each month. Pet owners should make sure their pets ate the pill with their food.
Most veterinary practices recommend re-testing of heartworm disease within six months of starting on a preventative. If the test comes back negative, pet owners should follow up with annual testing. However, your pet mustn't miss a dose or have the dose administered late. A licensed veterinarian can recommend and prescribe a good preventative medicine for your pet.
Start Heartworm Treatment or Prevention for Your Pet Today
If you've recently adopted a new pet, have your animal tested for heartworm disease at our vet hospital. Regardless of your pet's health status, it is still a good idea to have him or her tested with our licensed veterinarian. To get started with heartworm testing, treatment, or prevention, contact All Friends Veterinary Hospital in East Islip, NY, today by calling 631-277-8700. You can also request an appointment on our website.