Heartworm Testing and Preventative for Dogs and Cats

Heartworm disease can be fatal, but it is very preventable. A monthly regimen of heartworm preventative is all it takes to keep your pet free of this deadly disease. Heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes, so all dogs and cats are susceptible, even those who live primarily indoors. It is much less costly all the way around to prevent rather than treat this disease.

We start testing blood for heartworm disease in late February. Start heartworm preventative April 1st. Any dog over six months of age should be tested. Any dog younger than six months of age can be started on heartworm preventative without testing.

There are two accepted protocols for heartworm prevention. The recommended protocol is 9-12 months of heartworm preventative with an annual test. The second option (at owner's request or doctor's discretion) is year-round heartworm preventative with bi-annual heartworm tests.

There are numerous types of heartworm preventative available. We carry:

   
• Heartguard Chewables and Tablets - prevent heartworm disease, treat and control roundworm and hookworm infestations.
   
• Sentinel Tablets - prevent heartworm disease and control fleas and adult hookworms, remove and control adult roundworm and whipform infestations.
   
• Interceptor Tablets - prevent heartworm disease and control adult hookworms, remove and control adult roundworm and whipworm infestations.
   
• Revolution Topical - prevents heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Also kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching. Can be used in the treatment and control of ear mites and sarcoptic mange.

Cats are also susceptible to heartworm disease. At this time, there is no recommended annual blood test; however, preventative is available. Please speak to your health care professionals to determine whether heartworm preventative is right for your cat.


Flea Preventative for Dogs and Cats

We offer the following flea, tick and mosquito preventatives and treatments:

   
• Advantage Topical - a monthly topical treatment for fleas. Kills 98%-100% of fleas within 12 hours. Kills fleas before they lay eggs. Waterproof.
   
• Frontline Plus Topical - monthly topical treatment for fleas and ticks. Use every 2-3 months for fleas. Kills adult fleas, flea eggs and flea larvae. Kills all stages of deer ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks. Waterproof.
   
• Program Tablets - monthly oral treatment for fleas. Prevents and controls flea populations in dogs. Given with food.
   
• Advantix Topical - monthly topical treatment. Used in the prevention and treatment of fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Repels and kills ticks. Kills 98%-100% of fleas on dogs within 12 hours. Kills fleas before they lay eggs. Repels and kills mosquitoes. Waterproof. DO NOT USE ON CATS
   
• Interceptor Tablets - prevent heartworm disease and control adult hookworms, remove and control adult roundworm and whipworm infestations.
   
• Revolution Topical - prevents heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Also kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching. Can be used in the treatment and control of ear mites and sarcoptic mange.