Heartworm Disease

   Heartworm is a parasitic worm that lives inside the blood vessels of infected animals and can cause heart failure over time. When established inside the blood vessels, a reproducing worm releases large numbers of very small worms (microfilariae) that circulate around the bloodstream.  Mosquitos pick up the microfilariae when they take a blood meal and can deposit them in the bloodstream of another dog when they take their next blood meal.

  This cycle can be interrupted with the simple application of a medication once monthly to the skin at the back of the neck.  It is important to have a blood test to check to see if heartworm parasites are already there, and this can be performed in your own home. Prevention is usually applied just once monthly from June 1 to November 1, or during winter months if travelling to warmer climates.

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