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Happy Spring From BAC!!~
Prevention is the
Key
Temperatures are rising,
birds are "chirping, flowers are
blooming,
and insects are BITING!!
Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are out
in FULL FORCE,
and this is not good news for you or
your pet. The more important danger, however, isn't visible.
Though fleas and ticks can cause an itching frenzy, heartworms
are the real danger.
Heartworm
disease is
SPREAD
not only to dogs, but to cats as well,
by mosquitoes. Immature heartworms are transmitted to a dog or
cat when an infected mosquito bites and feeds on them. The
immature stage of the heartworm contained within the mosquito is
extremely small, but these small worms will mature and grow as
they travel from the bite to the pet's heart and Lungs. Although
initially small, adult heartworms will become approximately
eight to twelve inches in length after only six to eight months
of infection. These Large,
white worms, which resemble spaghetti, live inside
Large blood vessels within
the heart and lungs. The presence of these worms may
damage the heart, lungs and other internal organs, resulting in
serious illness and ultimately, death. Signs of heartworm
disease may include fatigue, weight
loss, vomiting and a chronic cough. These symptoms may not
appear in an infected animal for some time. By then, heartworms
have already made their way to the animal's heart and lungs and
SEVERE damage to these vital organs my have already occurred.
However, there is treatment available.
Fortunately,
prevention of heartworm disease is easy. Excellent medicines are
available that are highly safe and effective for both dogs and
cats. They should be administered year round, and routine checks
are recommended for dogs.
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