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One of the more typical concerns got in the veterinary center is whether dogs should be on year-round heartworm prevention, even in the winter as well as chillier months. Over 20 years back I was taught in veterinary institution that the typical ambient temperature had to be 65 degrees or higher for 30 days in a row for mosquitoes to ended up being contagious as well as transmit heartworms to dogs. In most areas of the country this transmission season was believed to be 3 to 5 months.
However, in recent years with concerns of worldwide warming as well as milder winters, veterinary parasitologists have discovered that it is possible for mosquitoes to bring heartworms even in milder winter months. Because of this as well as the truth that many people travel with pets back as well as forth to warmer areas of the country, most veterinarians as well as the American Veterinary Heartworm society now suggest year-round heartworm prevention for dogs in most areas of the country. An added benefit of most monthly heartworm preventatives such as Heartgard as well as Iverhart Max is that most of these preventatives likewise treat as well as manage many intestinal parasites, which can likewise be a issue any type of time of year.
If your pet is not on heartworm preventative medication, it is strongly suggested that you have a blood test performed on your pet at the veterinarian’s office to ensure that monthly preventative can be started to prevent this potentially serious disease. For clients thinking about more holistic heartworm prevention options, herbal products such as black walnut as well as quassia bark can be considered. In these situations, a consultation with a holistic veterinarian is suggested (e.g. www.doctordym.com) as many alternate products have not been proven efficient in clinical studies, to ensure that frequently their utilize is empiric as well as based on clinical experience.
Heartworm