Mosquitos are arguably one of the most reviled insects on Earth. Besides causing their annoying buzzing and painful, itchy bites, mosquitoes are responsible for spreading some of the most damaging and deadly vector-borne diseases to both people and animals.
Heartworm disease is one of the worst illnesses our pets can contract from mosquitoes, and regular screening, along with year-round prevention, is the best way to protect them.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. A mosquito picks up the parasite in its microscopic stage by feeding on an infected animal, such as a dog, coyote, raccoon, or opossum, and can pass it along to a different animal during a subsequent feeding. Continue…
Parvovirus affects all species of mammals, and although symptoms are similar across the board, they are species specific. Consequently, feline parvovirus is as unique to cats as canine parvovirus is to dogs.
Canine parvovirus is shed via infected stool or vomit and can survive for a year or more in contaminated areas. Not only highly contagious, canine parvovirus can be deadly. Though typically found in puppies, adult dogs can also contract parvovirus if left unvaccinated and those with weaker immune systems can have a much harder time recovering from the virus.
This illness is expensive to treat and ravages a dog’s body – symptoms often include severe vomiting and diarrhea. Some find that there is a distinct metallic smell to feces infected with parvovirus. If left untreated, parvo cases can escalate quickly and dehydrate the dog to the point of no return. Best news of all? Parvovirus, in most cases, can be prevented with standard vaccinations and vigilant owner awareness. Continue…
Ticks, fleas, mosquitoes… There are few pet parents who aren’t worried about these disease-carrying (and annoying) pests. Yet, each year, many of us elect to forego important prevention medications in lieu of chance. Even more upsetting is the number of cases of otherwise preventable illnesses that are diagnosed in pets.
This year alone, your friends at Advantage Veterinary Center have already diagnosed eight cases of heartworm disease. We want to bring to mind how essential parasite prevention is and the risks pet owners take when ignoring this simple and effective form of protection.
What’s the Big Deal About Parasites?
Parasites, although a pesky problem, carry a wide array of illnesses, some of which can be transmitted to human family members. Aside from their ability to create a hard-to-remedy and itchy infestation (as in the case of fleas), they’re also responsible for serious diseases, such as: Continue…