Through routine heartworm preventatives sold by a Midlothian veterinarian, you're preventing your pet from a serious condition that can lead to severe cardiac complications including death. At our 24-hour vet clinic, you can get your pet tested for heartworms and give him or her the proper preventative treatment. heartworm vaccine from your veterinarian in midlothian

Definition of Heartworms

Heartworms are a parasite also known by their scientific name, Dirofilaria immitis. They live in arteries in the heart. They oftentimes live in the pulmonary artery, which is the artery that carries blood away from the heart to the lungs. Dogs are more prone to getting them than cats. They can grow up to one foot in length. After pets have one heartworm, the parasite can multiply and become hundreds when left untreated. Generally, they're transferred by mosquito bites. A mosquito will bite an animal that has baby heartworms flowing through his or her blood, and then the infected mosquito will bite a healthy animal. When in the body of a pet, the heartworms grow and multiply, ultimately stripping nutrients from the pet. Additionally, heartworms can lead to blood clots in the lungs as well as heart, kidney or liver failure.

Heartworm Vaccine Given by a Veterinarian in Midlothian

It's recommended to give heartworm preventatives to pets including cats and dogs, even though dogs are more prone to the parasite. Pets should start receiving this preventative medication from a veterinarian in Midlothian as early as 2 months of age. They'll need to be tested for heartworms first, and then they can be protected from the parasite through a pill, chew or topical medication. The pill contains a combination of ivermectin and milbemycin. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian in Midlothian about the safety of this drug for your pet. The topical medication contains selamectin and moxidectin.

Call Your Emergency Vet In Midlothian Today!

We're an emergency vet in Midlothian, serving the Richmond metro area. We provide more than vaccines and checkups; we conduct animal surgery and treat pets who are experiencing serious medical episodes. To schedule an appointment to vaccinate your pet, contact us at Animal Medical Center in Midlothian, VA at 804-639-3900. We look forward to meeting with you!