Parasite Prevention

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. It only takes one infected mosquito to transmit heartworms to your dog.

When the infected mosquito bites, the larvae pass through the tissue into the bloodstream. In time, they reach the arteries of the lungs where they continue to develop and grow. Once they arrive in the lungs, at three months post-infection, they can start to do damage.

At Vistancia Animal Hospital we recommend year-round Heartworm prevention, and your loved one can begin after testing negative for their first Heartworm test. Most pets love to get their monthly treat and have no idea you are protecting and prolonging their life. We highly recommend that any dog that is just starting on Heartworm prevention gets a heartworm test rechecked 6 months after beginning on their prevention due to the Heartworm's life cycle.

For more information please visit:

www.petsandparasites.org

www.heartgard.com

www.heartwormsociety.org

We also recommend checking your pet's fecal sample annually to test for any internal parasites. Some parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted between pets and humans, so it is best to ensure that all of your loved ones are protected. We can help you obtain a sample or you can bring this with you at the time of your exam. We will call you with the results, and let you know if there are any precautions or medications to take.