April is National Heartworm Month: Protect Your Pet at High Desert Veterinary

April is National Heartworm Month, a time to raise awareness about this preventable yet dangerous disease that affects both dogs and cats. As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, it’s the perfect time to ensure your pets are protected from heartworms and other parasitic infections.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are parasitic worms transmitted by mosquitoes that infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals. While dogs are more commonly affected, cats can also contract heartworms, though the symptoms may differ. If left untreated, heartworm disease can cause severe damage to vital organs and lead to life-threatening complications.

Why Heartworm Prevention is Crucial

Treating heartworm disease is difficult, expensive, and often risky for pets. Preventing it is far easier and more cost-effective. Monthly prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe, and it starts with a simple, affordable medication that protects your pet from the moment they take it.

Preventative care is the cornerstone of good health, and heartworm disease is one of the most preventable conditions. The right prevention ensures your pet is protected before the disease has a chance to develop. That’s where we come in. At High Desert Veterinary, we offer a variety of heartworm prevention options tailored to your pet’s needs.

The Risks of Not Preventing Heartworms

Without proper prevention, your pet is vulnerable to serious health issues. Dogs with heartworm disease may experience coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and even sudden death. Infected dogs may need extensive treatment to manage the disease, and the recovery process can be long and painful.

Although less common, heartworm disease can affect cats as well. Cats may show symptoms like vomiting, coughing, or difficulty breathing, and in some cases, heartworms can lead to sudden death. Prevention is particularly important for cats because treatment options are limited.

How High Desert Veterinary Can Help

We make it easy to protect your pet from heartworm disease with a variety of prevention options. Whether you prefer a monthly pill, a topical solution, or an injectable treatment, we’ll help you choose the best option for your pet’s needs. We also provide heartworm testing to ensure your pet is heartworm-free before starting prevention.

If your pet is already infected, don’t worry. Our team will guide you through the treatment options available and ensure your pet receives the care they need to recover.

Why Choose High Desert Veterinary?

We’re passionate about your pet’s well-being and treat each animal as part of our extended family. From routine check-ups to emergency care, we provide comprehensive services with a focus on long-term health and prevention. Our team’s goal is to ensure your pet enjoys a happy, healthy life.

Choosing High Desert Veterinary means choosing a compassionate, dedicated team. We offer friendly care and a variety of services to keep your pets healthy. Whether it’s heartworm prevention or general health care, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Take Action This April

This April, make heartworm prevention a priority for your pet’s health. Don’t wait for symptoms to show, start prevention today. If you’re not on a heartworm prevention plan or if you have questions about heartworm disease, reach out to us at High Desert Veterinary to schedule an appointment.

We’re here to ensure your pets live long, healthy lives. Call us today at (541) 382-9262 or visit www.highdesertvet.com to book your appointment!

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