With winter just around the corner, you be might thinking that you can go ahead and slack on giving your pets their parasite preventatives. We hate to be the bearer of annoying news, but the fact is, our temperate climate means that bugs often linger through the fall and winter months.
Contrary to popular opinion, fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying.
Fleas can transmit tapeworm and cause anemia, while ticks are well-known carriers of many harmful conditions, including Lyme disease.
Heartworm is another – and even graver – threat. Mosquitos can transmit the deadly worms to pets through just one bite. As the name suggests, heartworms live in the heart, and they can also thrive in the lungs and blood vessels. Because they constrict blood flow, they can damage internal organs and cause lung disease and heart failure.
Sadly, many animals don’t show symptoms until the disease is advanced, if at all. While there is treatment for canines, it is expensive and can be very hard on your pet. (There is no heartworm cure for cats.)
At Bell Veterinary Hospital, we know how important it is to protect your pet from parasites of all kinds. That’s why we carry a wide array of effective and affordable preventatives in our hospital pharmacy. If you need to order a supply or if you suspect your pet might be suffering from a parasitic infestation, give us a call at 205-486-4500. The faster we tackle these problems the better.