Treat Heartworms Before Summer to Reduce Risk Says Woodruff SC Animal Clinic

March 19, 2014 /MarketersMEDIA/ —

Animal Clinic of Woodruff, a leading veterinary hospital in Spartanburg, which treats cats and dogs, advises proactive treatment for heartworms before pets are infected.

As spring arrives and brings in the warmer weather, dogs are going to spend more time outdoors. The warm weather and rainy seasons are inviting conditions for mosquitoes, which creates a much higher risk factor for heartworm infection. A heartworm literally infects a dog's heart as well as the animal's major arteries to the lungs. The higher the mosquito infestation, the greater the risk dogs can become infected, as they have been identified as the “preferred host” of the heartworm.

Heartworms often show no visible signs in the infected animal, which is why Animal Clinic of Woodruff believes strongly in testing dogs with a simple test, to make sure there is no heartworm infection lurking in the blood. Wherever there a mosquito population, there is the risk of heartworms.

“Heartworm infection is a serious, debilitating disease for dogs, which can greatly reduce an animal's quality of life, and even lead to death. Our animal clinic believes in testing and treating for heartworms as a preventive measure that will destroy the heartworm eggs before they can live. It is much easier on your pet to treat them now, than once they become infected. Warm weather is the prime time for heartworm lava to thrive, which is why we advise ensuring against heartworms as early as possible,” says Merri Walden, DVM, Spartanburg veterinarian.

This Spartanburg veterinarian proscribes having animals tested now in the spring and then starting them on a preventive medication before the weather turns warmer. The good news is that heartworm infections are highly preventable if proactive steps are taken early. Preventative heartworm medications come in chewable and liquid forms, and both are easily administered on a once-a-month basis.

In addition to specializing in heartworm treatment, Spartanburg veterinarian services include:

• Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services


• Surgeries


• Radiology


• Dental


• In-house Lab


• Pharmacy


• Behavioral Counseling


• Boarding

For more information on heartworm treatment, call (864) 576-9800 to speak to a staff member at the Animal Clinic of Woodruff. The clinic serves many pet owner families throughout Woodruff, Spartanburg, Greenville, Roebuck, and surrounding areas.

Release ID: 36901