Isolate your pet from other animals and small children to prevent the spread of the parasite to them. Bring your pet to our vet clinic for thorough testing for parasites. Parasites can most often be easily treated, but parasite preventative measures are best for your pet and your wallet. We have safe and effective parasite prevention products available.

Heartworms are a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets. Twelve-inch-long worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets, causing lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and can be fatal if untreated.

How does my pet get heartworms? The only way in which worms can enter your pet’s body is through a mosquito bite. Heartworms living in an infected dog, cat, or wildlife produce baby worms that circulate in the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up these worms and when it bites another animal, the worms enter through the bite wound. Heartworms can grow and live for 5 – 7 years in dogs and 3 years in cats.

What can I do to protect my pet? Heartworm disease is preventable! Dogs should be tested annually and before starting prevention. Prevention is the safest and most cost-effective option, but treatment is available for dogs. Cats should be tested before starting prevention and re-tested as the veterinarian deems appropriate. There is NO drug approved for treatment in cats, so prevention is critical and the only means of protection!

Lincoln Avenue Cat Hospital has safe, effective products available that cater to you and your pet’s lifestyle and your budget.