Why Does My Dog Need Year-Round Heartworm Care?

By Species, By Topic, Care & Wellness, Cats, Dogs

Mosquitoes are the source of heartworm infections. So, if there’s snow on the ground, why are you still giving your dog heartworm prevention medicine? The simplest answer is that weather changes quickly, and mosquitos can wake up pretty quickly after a thaw.

The longer answer has to do with the difference between prevention and treatment. Sure, it’s possible to treat many diseases. Heartworm included. However, by the time a dog is diagnosed with heartworm, these parasites have probably already damaged the inner lining of your pet’s heart and its heart valves. Prevention is usually easier, more economical, and certainly better for your pet than treating a disease after the fact. In addition to preventing dreaded heartworm disease, most heartworm prevention will also offer some protection against certain intestinal parasites. This added benefit of a monthly worming has the advantage also of keeping your pet parasite free, year-round. And yes, pets can pick up intestinal parasites even in the winter months.

If you tend to “forget” to give the monthly heartworm prevention, call CEDARCREST Animal Clinic at 540-943-7577. Our veterinarians can administer a heartworm prevention injection 2x yearly which prevents the mistakes of missing a monthly dose at home.

CEDARCREST Animal Clinic provides medical and surgical care for every stage of your pet's life including preventive wellness care exams and vaccines, spays/neuters, and a variety of specialized care for your dog, cat, avian, or exotic. We are home to the only veterinarian practitioner in Virginia to be double Boarded in Avian and Canine/Feline care and provide care for birds, small mammals, and reptiles of all sorts! Plus, we are home to Virginia's most exclusive dog boarding resort that includes heated floors, an expansive play area, and even webcams so you can watch your pet while you're away. We're located in Fishersville, Virginia, and serve Augusta County and surrounding areas including Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Charlottesville.

← Go to Resources

CEDARCREST Animal Clinic Boarding Now Requires Kennel Cough Vaccination

by Nick S | January 9, 2020 | Dogs, Infectious Diseases | 0 Comments

Beginning in January 2020, CEDARCREST Animal Clinic & Pet Resort will require all our canine boarding guests to be vaccinated for Bordetella disease, which is also known as kennel cough. We strive to ensure our boarding facility is safe and healthy home away from home...

Go to Post

Should I Feed My Pet Wet or Dry Food?

by Nick S | March 21, 2019 | Cats, Dental, Dogs, Nutrition | 0 Comments

One of the most common questions new puppy and kitten owners ask during visits to the vet is whether they should feed their pet canned wet food or dry food from a bag. Wet or Dry? For dogs, I generally recommend dry food. As dogs tend to be bigger, dry food tends to...

Go to Post

Common Eye Problems Among Cats and Dogs

by Nick S | May 14, 2018 | By Species, By Topic, Care & Wellness, Cats, Diagnosis, Dogs, Emergency Situations | 0 Comments

Proper eye care is very important for all pets. Scratches, ulcers, dry eye, discharge, and infection are some of the most common ocular problems your pet may experience. To determine the cause of an eye problem, additional testing may be required to ensure an accurate...

Go to Post

Gastrointestinal Problems In Cats And Dogs

by Nick S | April 1, 2018 | Care & Wellness, Cats, Dogs, Nutrition | 0 Comments

Gastrointestinal disease in pets can be a minor problem, but can also be more serious, so evaluation and proper treatment by a veterinarian is important. Common gastrointestinal problems in dogs include dietary intolerance (problems digesting certain foods), toxicity...

Go to Post