Spring is the time for your dog annual vaccinations, check-ups and reviewing your pet’s heartworm and flea/tick prevention program.

Heartworm prevention is critical to your pet’s health! But do you know why? Do you understand the danger and how to prevent it?

Heartworm is a fatal disease if left untreated. It spreads by an infected mosquito who bites dog(s), and takes approximately seven months after exposure for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. These reproduce in the lungs, heart and blood vessels. They have a life span of 5-7 years.

Here are some signs of heartworm to look out for – coughing and your pet becoming increasingly winded by exercise. The lack of oxygen will cause a decrease of blood supply to the brain, becoming fatal.

To prevent such disease – they are simple and inexpensive medications. This can include chewable tablets or topical liquid that is administered. Check with your veterinarian for the best and most effective preventative measure for your dogs. In addition, there are other “prevention and treatment options exist to suit any dog-care philosophy“. Read more about it from this article.