When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm infection. And those heartworms can wreak havoc on your dog or cat. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infection; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.
In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue, and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infection can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition usually causes death.
Although often thought to not be susceptible to heartworm infection, cats can indeed get heartworms. Cats can suffer from a syndrome referred to as heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD); the symptoms can be subtle and may mimic those of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, and panting, are common. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting (typically unrelated to eating), and loss of appetite or weight. Heartworm infection is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs.
Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive than prevention—and it can actually kill your dog. There is no approved treatment for cats. Some cats spontaneously rid themselves of the infection; others might not survive it. And even one or two adult heartworms in a cat can cause serious problems.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to keep your dog or cat safe: by administering monthly heartworm preventives. Most heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. We can recommend the best regimen of prevention for your pet.
For Heartworm Prevention at Greenfield Animal Hospital we recommend Sentinel, Iverhart, Heartgard and Proheart as safe and effective.
| Once/Monthly | Sentinel Oral Tablet (Previously known as Interceptor, now includes oral flea prevention) |
Heartworm; Flea; Roundworm, Hookworm & Whipworm Internal Parasite Prevention |
| Heartgard Oral Chewable Tablet | Heartworm; Roundworm & Hookworm Internal Parasite Prevention | |
| Iverhart Oral Tablet | Heartworm; Roundworm, Hookworm & Tapeworm Internal Parasite Prevention | |
| Once/6m | Proheart Injection | Heartworm; treats Hookworm infections at time of injection |
What is ProHeart?
ProHeart 6 is the only single-dose injection that can protect your dog from heartworm infection continuously for 6 months!
The PRO’s of ProHeart 6
- Protects dogs for 6 months in one dose, so there are no more monthly medications to remember (or forget!)
- Professionally administered as an injection by your certified veterinarian.
- Proven safe in dogs of varying sizes and breeds.
- Provides treatment for hookworm infections at the time of administration.
What are your monthly heartworm medication habits?
Did you know that only 51% of pet owners successfully follow their veterinarian’s recommended heartworm preventative regimen?
If you answer YES to one or more of the questions below, your dog might benefit from ProHeart 6— continuous heartworm protection for a full 6 months with just one dose.
- Do you ever find “leftover” heartworm pills or topical applicators you have not given your dog?
- Most heartworm preventatives must be given monthly to remain effective. Have you ever accidentally been late in administering your dog’s heartworm medication?
- Have you ever missed a dose completely?
Heartworm Disease Can Be Prevented
There are many medications that treat and prevent various parasites in dogs, including some that you can buy over the counter. Don’t be confused – ONLY your veterinarian can prescribe heartworm preventatives.
Common types of Heartworm Preventatives include pills, chewables, and topically applied liquids. These need to be administered every month.
Keeping up with once-monthly dosage can be challenging, even for the most well-intentioned and conscientious owners. Missed or delayed doses puts your dog at risk for heartworm disease!
Ask us today if ProHeart 6 is right for your dog!
