How to Treat Heartworms for Your Dog

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Heartworm antigen test

If you are a dog owner, there is a good chance you’ve been told about or heard about heartworm disease. It is not an easy thing to look at, especially when dealing with your beloved pet. We do everything we can to assure out dogs are healthy and happy. But sometimes, that isn’t enough.

In the aftermath of a heartworm antigen test kit coming back positive, you may find yourself feeling a little helpless. Luckily, it is possible to treat this problem. Veterinary laboratory procedures are now in place to help kill the heartworms and make your pet healthy again. If your heartworm preventative measures do not work and your dog needs treatment, here are a few things you can expect to happen.

Pre-Treatment

Before the actual treatment begins, your vet may place your dog on a series of antibiotics to battle against the heartworm antigen. These help kill bacterium given off by the heartworms when they die that could cause health problems for your dog. All medication should be given out at the proper dosages and times.

Treatment

After the period of antibiotics, it’s then time to move on to the actual procedure. The treatment lasts around 60 days. It involves injecting your pet with a series of drugs through their back, or lumbar muscles. This drug kills the worms. Your dog will need to stay in the hospital to be observed. It’s possible not all the worms will be killed the first time around, so follow-up treatments may need to be scheduled.

Recovery

Like any procedure, while following it your pet should do their best to try and rest up. Their physical activities must be greatly decreased for the time being. Consult your vet to know when your dog can resume normal exercise.

No one likes to know that their dog is sick, even less so with heartworm antigens. Despite best efforts, it still is possible for your dog to catch it. Luckily, however, it’s not the end if your dog happens to contract the disease. Treatment can be very successful for your dog with the help of a trained veterinarian and a lot of time and patience. Soon the only worms your dog will have to deal with is the ones he digs up in the backyard.

How to Prevent Mouth Issues in Pets

No Comments Animal care services Animal hospital Health care for animals Pet welness Veterinary care center Veterinary services

veterinary surgical proceduresApproximately 46,300,000 households in the United States own dogs, and 38,900,000 households own cats. Every pet should make frequent trips to a vet for routine checkups, but sometimes, veterinary surgical procedures must be performed to keep your pet in good health. If your pet is scheduled to undergo a minor veterinary surgery, rest assured — they’re in good hands. Here’s a look at one of the most common minor veterinary surgical procedures vets perform.

Tooth extraction is listed as the top surgical procedure performed on cats according to Veterinary Pet Insurance. It’s also the third most common procedure for dogs. The average cost of a dental tooth extraction procedure is just under $1,000. It’s important to understand that keeping your pet’s mouth in good dental health is one of the best ways to prevent the need for an emergency veterinarian.

As your pet ages, they are likely to develop periodontal disease as an adult. This causes breakdown of gum tissue that can lead to bacteria escaping into the bloodstream and potentially causing an infection. If your pet’s immune system isn’t strong enough to kill the microbes, it’s likely to lead to a heart infection.

Another little-known fact about cats is that they can be seriously harmed from prolonged cigarette smoke exposure. If your cat lives with someone who smokes cigarettes indoors, the noxious smoke and all its chemical components can actually seep into the cat’s fur. Then, when they groom themselves, which is generally several times a day, the toxins will get into the cat’s mouth and cause some serious issues.

Regardless of the environments in which your pets live, it’s important for them to maintain a healthy diet. Doctors recommend a diet of mostly raw foods that trace back to the animal’s roots. For example, it’s recommended that cats should not eat seafood since ancestors of today’s house cats did not hunt from the sea. Even though most cats enjoy seafood, there are other alternatives your cat will enjoy as well. Remember to look at the ingredients and try to limit the preservatives in your cat’s food.

Overall, keeping your pets healthy is a proactive effort. Taking small steps to reduce health risks, and taking advantage of veterinary services are the best ways for your pet to live a happy and healthy life.

Simple Tips For Taking Good Care Of Your Dog Or Cat

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Diagnosis of cancer in animals

Your pet is your best friend. They have an endless amount of humor, are great at cheering you up at the end of a bad day and provide you companionship for years. Why not give them the healthiest lifestyle possible? Taking good care of your pet’s emotional and physical health is an ongoing process, one that requires you stay up-to-date on warning signs and basic daily maintenance to keep up. When in doubt? It’s imperative you visit your local animal hospital and get what you need to keep your furry friend happy.

Tips For Taking Care Of Your Dog

Dogs are easily one of the most popular pets around the world. In the West? Over 46 million households own dogs, ranging from energetic terriers to massive hounds. Studies have estimated at least 80% of dogs will show signs of dental disease by the age of three, that of which can lead to abscesses, loose teeth and chronic pain if not tended to. There are teeth-conscious treats you can feed your dog to reduce the worst of it, while taking them to a veterinarian on a regular basis can pinpoint small problems before they become large issues.

Tips For Taking Care Of Your Cat

Got a smaller living abode or just prefer the company of a more independent animal? You may just be a cat owner! Well over 38 million households own cats in the United States, with many owning two or three so they don’t get lonely while they’re out at work or school. Nearly 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the age of three — it can be difficult to brush a cat’s teeth due to their finicky nature, so requesting veterinary services can go a long way in keeping your feline pal feeling good. If you own a kitten you need to bring them in for vaccines every three to four weeks until they’re 16 weeks old.

Common Diseases And Conditions

Keep a sharp eye out for these pests! Fleas are one of the most frequent irritants affecting dogs and cats alike, incredibly tiny and notoriously stubborn. The female flea can lay up to 2,000 eggs in her lifetime and a single flea can live a whopping 100 days without a blood meal. Yikes! Fleas have four life stages — the egg, larva, pupa and biting adults — and a female flea can consume 15 times her own body weight in blood every day. To make matters worse these unwanted guests can jump up to eight inches high (up to 150 times its own height), meaning they can spread in a millisecond and leave everyone itching!

Common Veterinary Check-Ups

An animal hospital is where you go to help pets who are showing signs of significant illness or injury. In-between? You want to actively look into veterinary options so they can stay as healthy as possible. Always get your dog or cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters, while basic vaccines should be covered as soon as possible. Certain dog breeds, particularly purebred ones such as the German Shepard or Dachshund, are known for developing back and hip problems in their later years. When in doubt, taking your pet to the vet will eliminate any concerns you have.

When To Use An Animal Hospital

Know the signs of a pet emergency so you know whether or not to take them to an animal hospital. If your dog or cat is wheezing, having trouble breathing or looks unusually disoriented these could all be signs of an allergy, illness or episode that requires immediate medical attention. Additional physical issues include glazed eyes, excessive panting, twitching, whining and pressing their head against the wall or floor. Emergency vet options can range from administering medicine or even keeping the animal overnight to ensure a smooth recovery. Take good care of your pet and they’ll take good care of you!