Hello clients. Fall is right around the corner and I don’t know about you but we are ready. With the change of the season some might think less time spent outdoors and cooler temps means insects are less active, however, that is not always true. Disease carrying insects are a year round potential risk in our part of Missouri. It simply does not get cold enough to eliminate mosquitos entirely. The same goes for fleas and ticks. It really is serious business when someone’s pet is diagnosed with heartworms.
We hear that dog owners sometimes forget to give their dogs an oral or topical heartworm preventive at the time every month – it happens. But missed or delayed doses mean that the dog could be at risk of developing heartworm disease.
The Facts About Heartworm Disease
- The American Heartworm Society estimates that 1 million dogs in the US have heartworm disease today.
- Heartworm disease has been found in all 50 states.
- It only takes 1 bite from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworm disease.
- Heartworm treatment typically involves a series of injections, hospitalization, pain medication, and lasts for 2-3 months. During this time, your pet must also be confined to a crate to keep from physically exerting themselves.
- In our area, treatment for the disease can cost $600.00 to $800.00 depending on the size of the pet and how they react to treatment.
- Completely absent and lapsed doses of heartworm preventive are the major reason for the development of heartworm disease.
We can help you ensure that your dog has continuous protection against heartworm disease. 1. We can give you a reminder call each month at the time of your choosing. 2. Our online pharmacy can send you a dose each month at the correct dosing time. 3. There are several online places to sign up for email and text reminders. http://www.interceptorplus.com/rebates-reminders/ is one site. Please let us know how we can help.
Give us a call if you’d like to learn more about our products or get set up with a reminder that best fits your schedule. Dogs that do not have a current heartworm test will not be able to start a preventive medication until the test has been completed. Call our office at 417-725-2386 to schedule your dog’s heartworm test. It only takes a few minutes.