Heartworm Testing

Although summer heat is something many look forward to, we can’t forget that warmer temperatures bring with them certain insects like mosquitoes. The insects that come into contact with your pet may be carrying diseases or parasites like heartworm. An anti-parasite treatment is key to preventing such hazards. 

What is a heartworm? 

Heartworm is an invasive parasite that lodges in animals’ pulmonary and coronary arteries. It enters the host animal’s system through the bite of an infected insect and grows in their blood. The larvae become worms that grow up to 30 cm long and can live up to 5 years in the animal’s arteries.

What are the symptoms of heartworm?

In the first years of infection, animals generally don’t show apparent symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to have annual blood tests done to detect this type of infection. 

After a few years, the symptoms can lead to: 

• Respiratory problems 
• Cardiac problems 
• Digestive problems 
• Kidney problems 
• Etc. 

How can I reduce the risk of infection? 

Like with all types of parasites, preventing any possibility of infection is your first priority. This is easily done by administering an anti-parasite treatment. Our team of specialists is available to guide you in this process: they will recommend the best product for your pet and their particular needs.