As a pet owner, your pet's health is your responsibility. Because your pet cannot communicate to you what could be hurting them or affecting them, it is crucial that you and your vet stay on top of preventive treatments for conditions such as heartworms. At Paducah Veterinary Clinic, serving Paducah KY, and the surrounding areas, we can help you better understand how to protect your dog or cat from heartworm disease.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are a type of parasitic infection that an animal can contract from insect bites. Insects such as mosquitos and ticks carry heartworm eggs. These eggs can be injected into your pet through an insect bite. The eggs can then mature and reproduce inside your pet. Heartworms will often attack vital organs such as the heart and lungs. If left untreated, heartworm is a fatal condition.

Heartworm Treatment 

Because heartworm can become pervasive very quickly, the best line of defense is preventive. When you visit the veterinary clinic, your vet will advise you on the different types of heartworm treatments that are available. It is vital that you stay up to date on treatments as they are only effective when given on a regular basis.

Other Precautions

Beyond heartworm treatments, you can cut down your pet's risk of heartworm by also paying attention to tick prevention. Because heartworms are spread through insect bites, it is important that your pet not be susceptible to tick-borne illnesses. You prevent tick bites with tick prevention treatments.

You should also make sure you keep your pet in an area that is free from most insects.

To learn more about our services, contact us at Paducah Veterinary Clinic, serving Paducah, KY, and the surrounding areas. We will be happy to assist you. Call us today at 270-443-8835.