Heartworm Prevention: Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It (1)

Heartworm Prevention: Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

I was greeted by this headline online:  “My dog has a seriously expensive medical condition, but I would never consider abandoning him because of it.”

Her dog tested positive for heartworm and I understand how expensive it is. Bless her for pushing with the treatment and not abandoning her fur baby!

I wish I can reach out to as many as possible pet parents to let you know that Heartworm is Preventable.  Prevention is cheaper than going through the treatment, plus it is less agonizing for your dog.

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In this series of articles on Heartworm In The Philippines, I will share the simplest and most affordable mode of prevention.  But first allow me to describe what your fur baby will go through when he is tested positive for heartworm.

Stages of Heartworm Disease In The Philippines

Dogs diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 of Heartworm disease may have slow heartbeat, fever, dry cough, feel listless and congested lungs.  Once diagnosed, he undergoes full treatment to get rid of adult heartworms.

Read on my blog about the symptoms in order to check if your dog has heartworm.

If your pet dog is diagnosed with Stage 3 to 5, it means his heart and pulmonary arteries are “loaded” with heartworms and a more immediate treatment is prescribed.

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Stage 5 Heartworm Disease

One pet owner with infested dog described Day 1 of the treatment.  

“He slept all day and yelped in pain when he tried to move.  The first few weeks were a blur of coughing, vomiting and diarrhea (those dead worms have to leave his body somehow).”

Next treatments will be painful, as well.  He will not be allowed to run around or even walk fast during the treatment weeks. If he gets excited, the blood pumping through his arteries could force the decomposing worm parts into a logjam, block his arteries and cause a stroke or embolism.

At this stage, pet parents would often feel guilty for not doing enough for their dogs.  They would blame themselves.Heartworm prevention philippines 2

Let me tell you this, It’s Not You, it’s the infested mosquito who did it!  So quit blaming yourself and start thinking PREVENTION!  Read how my friend learned this painful lesson here:  Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating

Heartworm Prevention In The Philippines:  What You Can Do

Here at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital, heartworm prevention starts with 3 simple steps:

  1. Have your dog undergo heartworm testing once a year.
    Annual heartworm testing followed by preventive medication is recommended to keep your dog free of heartworm disease.
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  2. For your peace of mind, consider having a yearly heartworm injection.  For busy pet parents, Vets recommend Proheart 12.
    Once a year injection eliminates the need to remember monthly heartworm tablets and it can safely be combined with your pet’s vaccination or annual check-up.
    Best of all, the injection is quick vs. the agony of forcing the chewable treatment every month!heartworm prevention philippines 4
  3. Start early with your heartworm prevention!
    Mosquitoes are prevalent in the Philippines and remember, it only takes ONE Mosquito Bite to result to Heartworm.  Start early! Proheart 12 can be given to puppies as young as 6 months old.heartworm prevention philippines 5

For pet parents who still need a little convincing, for the first time, I’ll reveal the costs involved on prevention vs. cure.

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Heartworm preventive starts at P1,350 for dogs weighing up to 5 kilos

If you are serious about PREVENTION, there’s ONE LAST STEP that you need to do:  Call Ms. Mylez @ 896-2860 and ask about the Heartworm Test.  More importantly, ask about Proheart SR-12 Prevention.

 

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S.  Heartworm Prevention is Cheaper Vs. Treatment.  Call Ms. Mylez @ 896-2860 and ask about Proheart 12.

 

If you want to educate yourself about Heartworm In The Philippines, here are your MUST READ articles:

Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

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