While we might still be dealing with winter weather here in Ontario, spring is on the horizon, and now is the time to start protecting your pet against the dangers of the season. While blooming flowers and warmer temperatures might be a welcome relief after a frigid winter, they do bring some potential threats for pets. Luckily, your friends at Glenridge Animal Hospital & Referral Centre are here with some tips to keep your pets safe this spring.
The Dangers of Heartworms for Pets
Heartworms are small worms transferred to pets through mosquito bites, which means they are much more prevalent during an Ontario spring. Left untreated, heartworms in pets can cause significant and even fatal health issues.
Heartworms in Dogs
If heartworms find their way into a dog’s system, they can live and grow in the respiratory system. These living conditions means the worms can also reproduce and wreak havoc on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of the respiratory system. Without proper attention, this could become fatal. Symptoms of heartworm in dogs include:
- Coughing
- Trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Fainting
Heartworms in Cats
While a cat’s body does not provide an ideal environment for heartworm growth and reproduction, these parasites can still harm a feline system. Heartworm issues are far less common in cats, but they can still happen, including heartworm-associated respiratory disease. If you notice the following symptoms in your cat, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian:
- Coughing
- Asthma attacks
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Heartworm Prevention for Dogs and Cats
Your veterinarian can prescribe year-round heartworm prevention for your pets to avoid any issues with these pesky parasites. Making an effort to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your area can also help protect pets.
(Please note that a heartworm test within the past year is required before we can dispense heartworm prevention.)
Tick Prevention
As the weather warms, ticks become more prevalent in our area. These parasites can attach themselves to our pets without our knowledge and transmit diseases and lead to dangerous health conditions. The dangers of ticks on pets include:
- Lyme disease
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Babesiosis
- Tick paralysis
- Anemia
Monthly preventives can help protect your pets from ticks and the dangers they cause. You should also closely check your pet for ticks after spending time in heavily wooded areas. Try to avoid areas with tall grass or weeds where ticks could be waiting to attach to your unsuspecting pets.
Preventive Veterinary Care in Ontario
At Glenridge Animal Hospital & Rescue Centre, we want to partner with you to protect your pet’s health throughout the year. From annual wellness visits to superior diagnostics, we make it easy to get the care you need for your pets. Call (905) 688-1996 to learn more or to schedule an appointment. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
