Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
If you are visiting Florida with your pet or live here part-time, it’s important to know that due to our year long, warm weather and climate, we encourage our patients to be on parasite prevention mediations year-round.
Your pet will need to be on regular doses of flea and heartworm prevention.
The mosquito is the primary spreader of heartworms, and here in Florida, we have mosquitos year-round. As an example of how it spreads: a mosquito bites a coyote that is infected with heartworms the coyote has the tiny, microscopic worms swimming throughout its bloodstream. The mosquito will harbor the larvae in its blood, and then when it bites your pet, the microfilaria then infects your pet’s bloodstream. This is how the process begins, and at this point, your pet could be safely treated if detection and symptoms were that easy to spot; however, heartworm disease is a silent killer.
If an infected mosquito bites your pet, heartworm medication protects your pet, and the microfilaria will die off, unable to infect your little furry friend. But if your pet is not protected, the effects are devastating.
Heartworm disease has four stages. In early stages, the treatment is medical management but it is intense (can have side effects), expensive, and can take around 6 months. Later stage heartworm disease is removal of heartworms from the heart via a boarded cardiologist. Some late-stage heart worm disease is fatal.
Animal Oasis Veterinarian Hospital believes that preventative care is one of the most important aspects of maintaining your pet’s health. There are a variety of diseases that affect animals, so proper vaccination of your pet is vital in protecting them from the many types of illnesses to which they are susceptible to.
Vaccinations are vital to the health and protection of your pet and serve as a preventive measure in combating viral diseases.
For dogs vaccines include Bordetella and leptospirosis, and the rabies vaccine, which are every 1-3 years depending on what vaccine is used. Testing of heartworms and checking feces for internal parasites is done yearly at a minimum. Other vaccines that are important are the core vaccines, which include distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHPP), along with rabies, leptospirosis, Lyme disease and the influenza vaccine. These are often based on the lifestyle of pet.
Cats require the feLV and the FIV test yearly. The feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia vaccinations often come in a combination shot (FVRCP), which are given every 1 to 3 depending on the vaccine.
Feline leukemia vaccine is necessary if pets go outside or have contact with outdoor cats. Heartworm, flea and tick prevention monthly for cats and dogs is recommended.
Common internal parasites include heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. The most frequent external parasites include fleas and ticks. Your pet should be free from parasites, both internal and external.
Vaccinations are particularly important for puppies, kittens, and other young animals that have immature immune systems. Veterinary vaccinations generally begin at 6-8 weeks of age and then receive boosters throughout your pet’s life depending on the vaccine. Animal Oasis doctors will determine the appropriate vaccination plan for your pet.
If your pet is on any medications for other health conditions, it’s important to have those on hand, and provide the daycare with instructions for your little guy or girl. Animal Oasis can work with you to make sure you have what you need.
Contact Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital to schedule a wellness exam, vaccinations, and calming medications for your pets today!
Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital in Naples offers the most up to date and progressive veterinary services for your pets. Ranging from laser surgery, ultrasound, dental X-rays, radiology, full pharmacy, and in house diagnostics, Animal Oasis Veterinary Hospital provides your pets with the necessary options for treatment.
239-431-9667
www.aovethospital.com
