Why does my dog need monthly heartworm preventive?

If you really love your furry pal, then you are always on the journey to discover all the quality pet products and important treatments for him. However, at times, you may be confused whether certain treatments and preventives are necessary or compulsory for my four-legged friend. And among those various treatments – heartworm preventive is one regarding which usually pet parents are always wondering whether to put their furry friend on heartworm control program or not.

Whether you are giving your dog heartworm preventive or not, let us learn why heartworm preventive is necessary or at times compulsion for your Fido.

Heartworm Disease

Most pet parents are well aware of the dangerous affects of heartworms in dogs. These worms not only cause severe health conditions like shock, seizures, or lung failure but at extreme levels can even threaten the life of your furry pal.

But many pet owners, especially the new pet parents, are not enlightened about how this heartworm disease is transmitted to the dog and what steps to be taken to safeguard the furry friend.

Let us look into the process:
1.    A mosquito bites a dog that’s infected with heartworm disease.

2.    It sucks blood and through this heartworm larvae is ingested by them.

3.    They carry these microfilariae, which develops into their system.

4.    The same mosquito bites your dog and easily transfers the larvae.

5.    These heartworm larvae take abode in your dog’s tissues.

6.    Over the course of time, these tiny larvae grow into adult heartworms and move towards the heart and pulmonary arteries.

7.    Here, these worms reproduce and larvae move in your dog’s blood, with the whole life cycle beginning again.

8.    This entire process takes around 7 months.

And, in order to break this process or stop the complete life cycle of heartworms, you need to start an effective heartworm management program. Following this program, you can ensure the protection of your furry friend against the perilous effects of heartworm infection.

Heartworm Management Program

  • Unveil here the complete process of heartworm Prevention in your Fido.
  • Before starting any heartworm prevention in your dog, it is crucial to talk to your vet regarding heartworm testing.
  • Heartworm testing is performed prior to commencing any heartworm preventive.
  • If your dog is tested positive, your vet will further plan out for the treatment through injections and in-depth diagnosis of blood.
  • In such condition, heartworm preventives cannot be used.
  • However, if your dog’s heartworm test turns out to be negative, it’s good news and a sign of relaxation for you.
  • You can initiate the treatment and start giving your dog heartworm control products.
  • Your dog has to be administered heartworm preventive every month on the same day of the treatment.
  • Ensure that you do not miss heartworm monthly dosage.
  • In case, you missed a dose or late by more than 1 week, then talk to your vet and start the treatment again by his guidance.

There are reputable brand heartworm preventives available which you can buy from the reliable online pet stores. Some of the top brands are Nexgard Spectra For Dog, Revolution, Comfortis Plus, Advocate and Heartgard Plus For Dog. These are highly effective and have the least side effects known.

The total wellbeing of your Fido is always your priority. Therefore, never miss treating your dog on monthly basis with heartworm preventive for his optimal health.