Summer is almost here, which means mosquitoes and other pesky insects will be enjoying the warm weather. Some of these pests can be more than just a minor annoyance. Mosquitoes, for example, carry diseases like heartworm that can infect your beloved pets and lead to high veterinary bills. However, many people aren’t sure how they can protect their furry friends. To help, this guide outlines some important pet care information to ensure your companions are heartworm-free.

Heartworm Prevention Tips for Optimal Pet Care

Reduce Mosquito Exposure

The heartworm life cycle relies heavily on the presence of mosquitoes. Because of this, these insects act as vectors and are primarily responsible for the transmission of heartworm to your pets. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent the problem is to reduce your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes. Ensure your yard does not have any standing water so you don’t attract insects. You can also use insecticide on the property to protect your four-legged companions.

Give Medication

You should also provide preventative medications for your dogs and cats. These products can often be given orally or topically to prevent the disease but not to treat it. Although you’ll have to invest some money in the medication, it’s important to realize that the cost of treatment for heartworm far exceeds that of prevention.

Visit the Veterinarian

Finally, your dog or cat should visit the veterinarian at least once each year. This annual check-up allows the medical specialist to perform routine testing. They can determine if your pet has been infected with heartworm and provide the appropriate treatment protocols early on. However, if you don’t take your pet for their yearly exam, you may not know they have heartworm until it is too late to effectively treat.

 

When residents of Live Oak, FL, need high-quality pet care products to prevent heartworm, they turn to the experts at Farmers Cooperative. Serving the community since 1946, these professionals offer various pet supplies, including animal feed, insect repellents, and preventive medicine. They even offer propane and fertilizers to meet all your home and garden needs. To learn more about this farming supplier, call a friendly team member today at (386) 362-1459. You can also find more information on their website.