The rebirth of spring also means an increase in the number of pesky parasites to spoil your pet’s outdoor fun. Thankfully, there are many wonderful preventives available to keep your pets, your home, and your family safe from these intrusive pests. Here at Pet Dominion, we believe in year-round protection, but with the onset of spring and April’s designation as “National Heartworm Awareness Month”, it’s a great time to assess your pet’s risk and take stock of your supply of preventives.
You’ve heard the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, but it’s especially true for preventing parasites on and in your pet. Since heartworm disease is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito, pets in all 50 states are at risk. It is especially prevalent in the warmer, humid climates of the south, but many cases are reported each year in Maryland. The disease is expensive and difficult to treat in dogs and can be deadly if left untreated. Although it is seen less frequently in cats, it’s more fatal because there are currently no drugs approved for treating it. While the price of preventives may seem steep, it’s nothing compared to the cost of treatment or the potential loss of your pet’s life.
Fleas and ticks give most pet owners the creeps and with good cause. Ticks transmit diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichia to your pet and your family. Tick-borne illnesses can cause anemia, lameness, lethargy, organ failure and even death. Meanwhile, a flea infestation is one of the most bothersome conditions that can affect your furry friend, but is completely preventable. A single female flea can lay 2,000 eggs on your pet! The constant itching and scratching from a flea infestation can make your pet miserable, and those with flea allergies can develop serious dermatological side effects. Additionally, flea infestations in your home are expensive to treat and difficult to eradicate quickly.
Now is a great time to get your pet on preventive or pick-up more products here at Pet Dominion. All pets who get an annual or senior wellness exam package and purchase 6-doses of Frontline and 12-months of Heartgard before June 30th receive a coupon for $25 off their wellness exam that day! Be sure to give us a call today at (301)258-0333 to get your pet on the path to parasite prevention