Most feline and canine heartworm preventatives are very effective. So why is it important that your pet receives a yearly heartworm test? Although heartworm is a preventable disease, there are several factors that may mean your dog or cat is not as protected as you think. Here are a few:
- Missing a Dose. We are all human and may forget to give a dose every now and again.
- Your pet vomits or spits out the pill without you knowing it.
- Your dog goes swimming immediately after a topical heartworm preventative is applied.
- Your pet builds up a resistance. Heartworm preventatives are effective but resistance is still possible. Having a yearly test done allows your veterinarian to know when there is a resistant worm and treat your pet more effectively.
- Testing limitations. Since heartworm larvae can’t be detected on a heartworm test until they become adults, there is a timeframe where those worms are not found on a test or stopped by a preventative. If your pet goes undiagnosed, a heartworm infection can damage the heart, lungs, vascular and kidney tissues.
- Heartworm is carried by infected mosquitos. Since mosquitos can survive indoors and outdoors in protected areas, only treating during the summer months may lead to animals becoming infected unintentionally. That is why seasonal heartworm treatment is not recommended.
Thankfully, heartworm testing is easy and inexpensive. Your veterinarian can check your pet with a simple blood test at his annual visit. Revival has several heartworm preventatives available through our pharmacy including Heartgard® Plus, Revolution®, Sentinel® and Interceptor™ Plus. To see our full line of heartworm prevention products for your dog or cat visit the Revival online pharmacy or give us a call at 800.786.4751
LEARN MORE:
Heartworm in Dogs and Cats
What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs? Heartworm is a potentially devastating disease in dogs and cats. Learn symptoms, treatment and prevention of heartworm in dogs and cats.
Heartworm in Cats
Heartworm disease in cats can lead to feline illness and even sudden death. Learn more about cat heartworm prevention.
Disease Carrying Pests: Protecting Pets from Mosquitoes, Flies, Fleas and Ticks
How to protect cats from mosquitoes? What diseases can dogs get from insects? Learn how to protect your pet from Lyme disease, heartworm and other diseases mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and flies carry.
Intestinal Parasites in Dogs Webinar
What are signs of worms in dogs? What are the most common dog parasites? What dewormers are safe for pregnant and nursing dogs? This dog parasite webinar answers common questions when it comes to parasites in dogs.
Written by: Lori S., Pharm D.
Pharmacist in Charge
I grew up on a farm and had once considered becoming a vet. In fact, I still live on a family farm with my husband, three kids and lots of animals. Working at Revival brings together my passion for pharmacy and pets. If there is a prescription product you'd like to see us carry, please don't hesitate to reach out and let our Pharmacy Team know.