Heartworm Prevention

Did you know that the American Heartworm Society conducts a survey every 3 years and in April 2020 they released their findings for 2019? They found that no state in the United States was heartworm free. 

What does this mean? This means that heartworm disease is present right here and everywhere, both cats and dogs can develop heartworm disease. Heartworms are spread when an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat, it is spread through the bloodstream. Heartworm infection can be deadly for both dogs and cats. For this very reason, we will recommend yearly testing for dogs over 6 months of age and then once a year thereafter. We will also recommend starting your puppy on a month heartworm preventative that they will take every month, all year around. For our feline friends, there is a monthly topical that we will recommend but they will not have to be tested every year. 

Canine heartworm disease can be treated but it can be costly and can cause long term damage to their hearts. It is cheaper to prevent than it is to treat. As for felines, there is no treatment. This fact is why we highly recommend that they stay on heartworm prevention all year round. 

Types of Heartworm Prevention Medication Available

When it comes to preventing canine and feline heartworm disease, there are several options available including topical solutions, oral tablets and injectables. 

• Oral tablets- Typically given once a month to prevent heartworm disease. We carry several monthly chewable tablets including Simparica Trio, Heartgard Plus and Interceptor Plus.
• Topical Treatments- Typically applied once a month to help prevent heartworm disease. We carry Revolution for dogs and Revolution Plus for cats. 
• Injectable option- This product can either be given once every 6 months or once every 12 months for the prevention of heartworm disease. The product given by Dr. Gerber is called Proheart6 or Proheart12. 

Dr. Gerber follows the recommendations of the American Heartworm Society for the prevention, testing and treatment of heartworm disease.  For more information regarding heartworm disease, you can go online to the American Heartworm Society Website at www.heartwormsociety.org .

Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can make your pet extremely uncomfortable and cause several different types of illnesses, like flea allergy dermatitis and tapeworm infestations. Dr. Gerber can evaluate your pet to determine the best type of flea prevention medication.

Pet Health Hazards of Fleas And Ticks

Fleas and ticks carry diseases that can cause serious harm to your pet. The most common problem associated with fleas is flea allergy dermatitis, which causes excessive itching, skin inflammation, sores and hair loss. The second most common problem associated with fleas is tapeworms. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs, and when the flea bites your pet, the egg can be deposited under your pet’s skin, causing a tapeworm infestation.

Ticks are known to carry many different types of bacteria that can cause zoonosis, rocky mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Lyme disease causes lethargy, pain in your pets joints and a decrease in appetite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever can cause skin lesions, vomiting, problems with your pet’s nervous system and depression. Zoonosis is known for causing bloody diarrhea, fevers, runny noses and watering eyes.

For pets who are small or advanced in age, a severe flea infestation can cause anemia, which is characterized by rapid breathing, lack of appetite and excessive sleeping. If you suspect your pet has anemia due to fleas, it is an emergency situation.

Types of Flea Prevention Medication Available

When it comes to preventing fleas and ticks, there are several different types of medications available, including sprays, oral tablets, spot-on treatments and flea collars. Green Lawn Animal Clinic can help you decide which method is best for your pet, depending on his or her lifestyle.

• Oral Tablets – Typically given once a month to control fleas and ticks. When the parasite bites your pet, it ingests the medication and dies. We carry several monthly chewable tablets including Nexgard, Credelio, and Simparica Trio. 
• Topical Treatments – Placed between your pet’s shoulder blades once a month. Kills fleas and ticks on contact. The topical products we carry are Revolution for dogs and Revolution Plus for cats. 

Flea and Tick Prevention Help with Green Lawn Animal Clinic

When it comes to controlling fleas and ticks, you can count on us to provide you with the right type of medication for your pet and advice on how to rid your home of flea infestations. If you are looking for a medication where the parasite does not need to bite your pet in order to be killed, we may recommend topical treatments. If you are looking for a no-hassle way to control fleas and ticks in your dog or cat, oral tablets may be the right solution. If you have a current flea infestation, you may want to use a spray treatment that kills fleas and ticks on contact.

For more information on our flea and tick prevention services or to schedule another type of service, like your pet’s yearly wellness examination, call us at (937) 548-2875 today.