Soon the insects will be out, which mean we need to protect our animal friends from mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.  Mosquitoes carry a deadly disease for dogs and cats called heartworm.  This disease may go undetected for a couple of years if not test for.

Coughing and exercise intolerance may be some signs of advanced disease.

Preventive pills need to be given from May to December.  A blood test in the spring needs to be done before starting the pills.

Another option is to keep your pet on preventative pills year round.  There are several advantages to do this.  If your dog is on year round, he/she only needs to be blood tested every other year and could be tested at any time of the year, i.e. at annual vaccinations.

The preventive pill may also kill the adult stages of heartworm if given year round as opposed to seasonally (May to December) which only eliminates the immature heartworms.  Also, giving Heartgard Plus® protects against some gastrointestinal parasites which could be infectious to humans.

Some people travel with their dogs to warmer climates during the winter months and need to continue Heartgard Plus® throughout the year.  For some it may be easier to remember and more convenient to give Heartgard Plus® monthly as opposed to bringing your dog in for the spring blood test prior to restarting Heartgard Plus® in May.

We recommend Frontline Plus® for protection against fleas and ticks.  Fleas can carry disease and other parasites such as tapeworms.  Ticks may carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Enrlichia.

We also carry Revolution® which may be more suitable for outdoor cats which are susceptible to ear mites, fleas and heartworm disease.  There are several products on the market for flea and tick control.  Beware.  Some products may be harmful, potentially lethal, to cats.  Products containing permethrin are very dangerous to the cats in your household, even if only applied to your dog.  Cats and dogs frequently share the same sleeping areas.