For the past several years we have been recommending HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE for our canine patients, especially if traveling outside the province of Alberta.

HEARTWORM is a disease transmitted solely by mosquitos.  When a dog already infected with heartworm is bitten, the mosquito takes up microfilariae (immature baby worms) as well as blood.  Over the next 10-14 days, if the mosquito survives, these worms grow into infective larvae and are transmitted by the mosquito to other dogs where they will travel through the bloodstream into the heart.

As yet, this disease is not a problem in our area, but can become a serious problem in any area where there is a large mosquito population.  Experts in the area of heartworm research feel it will not be long before this deadly parasite becomes prevalent in our area.    All dogs traveling out of the province should be on preventive medication.  In recent years, even cats are becoming infected with heartworm.  So cats as well should be on heartworm prevention if traveling to areas where heartworm disease is common.

If your dog has not been given preventive before and has traveled outside the province or travel history is unknown, we will recommend testing a small sample of blood before dispensing the preventive tablets.  Younger dogs (those born since September 2010) will not need testing.  We will then dispense 6 chewable tablets to be given once a month beginning in June for 6 months.  The cost of the tablets will vary according to the weight of your dog.  All dogs previously on preventive should begin treatment again the beginning of JUNE until NOVEMBER.

Please call our office at 475-9225  or e-mail us at: petinfo@deltonvet.com   subject: heartworm to have the medication prepared for pickup at your convenience.