As pet owners, one of the biggest concerns we have is ensuring the health and wellbeing of our furry companions. One of the most dreaded and potentially lethal diseases that can affect dogs is heartworm disease. This disease is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes and affects the lungs, heart and blood vessels of dogs, cats and other animals. Heartworm disease can be difficult and costly to treat, so prevention is key. In this blog post, we will discuss the recommended heartworm prevention protocol for dogs.
The Importance of Preventing Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. Once a dog is infected with heartworms, the worms can grow up to 12 inches in length, causing damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure, lung disease and even death. Prevention is the most effective approach to combating heartworm disease.
The New Heartworm Prevention Protocol for Dogs
Animal health experts have recently recommended a new heartworm prevention protocol for dogs called ‘Double Defense’. This protocol is a one-two punch to protect dogs from heartworm disease by eliminating both the mosquitoes that transmit the disease and the heartworm larvae that can infect dogs. The protocol consists of two products – an oral medication to kill the heartworm larvae and a mosquito repellent applied topically to keep mosquitoes from biting your dog.
The first step of the ‘Double Defense’ protocol is to give your dog a monthly heartworm preventative medication. These medications work by killing the heartworm larvae before they can develop into adult worms. The medication should be administered year-round, even during the winter months when mosquitoes are less active. Some popular heartworm preventatives include Heartgard, Sentinel, or Interceptor.
The second step is to apply a mosquito repellent to your dog’s skin. Since mosquitoes are the primary carriers of heartworm disease and other mosquito-borne illnesses, keeping them away from dogs is crucial. There are many topical mosquito repellents available in the market, including those based on natural ingredients like citronella or eucalyptus or those containing N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). When applying the mosquito repellent, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid applying the product to open wounds or sensitive areas.
Other Tips for Preventing Heartworm Disease
In addition to the Double Defense protocol, there are other steps you can take to reduce your dog's risk of contracting heartworm disease:
- Keep your yard and surrounding areas free of standing water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
- Keep your dog indoors during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk).
- Check with your veterinarian to provide the right heartworm preventative medication according to your dog’s weight and age.
- Schedule annual checkups for your dog and regular heartworm tests to catch infection in its early stage.
- Keep your pet well-groomed as matted hair is a breeding ground for fleas, another vector for heartworm disease.
Conclusion
Preventing heartworm disease in dogs is essential for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. The Double Defense protocol is an effective way to protect your dog from heartworm disease by attacking the disease from two angles - by eliminating heartworm larvae and keeping mosquitoes at bay. Along with this protocol, you can adopt additional measures to reduce the risk of heartworm infection in your dog. By following these recommendations, you’ll be able to enjoy many happy and healthy years with your furry companion.