CANTON, Ga. , Nov. 29, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Michael Good of Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic in Canton, Georgia, warns pet owners that heartworm prevention must continue in winter to provide full protection for their pets because cold weather is not sufficient protection. Proper prevention of heartworms and other parasites should continue all year long to protect pet health.
In winter many pet owners stop their heartworm prevention, but Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic doctors, including Dr. Michael Good warns that this could put pet health at risk.
Heartworm is spread when an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, depositing baby heartworms into the bloodstream. Over the next six months, if not addressed, those smaller heartworms will grow into adults. Adult heartworms are approximately the size of spaghetti and live in the blood vessels in the lungs and heart, where they can seriously damage those organs. Eventually, without treatment, heartworm can be fatal.
"It's understandable that pet owners only think of heartworm prevention in the summer," said Dr. Michael Good. "Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, and we humans are bothered by mosquitoes most often in the warmer months. Yet mosquitoes can get access to pets year-round, and pets that are not on prevention are at risk. This risk is especially high for cats, who do not have an effective heartworm cure if they are infected."
Heartworm prevention is not without its controversy. Some groups believe proactive treatment against heartworms is more harmful than it is helpful. The doctors at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic disagree.
"If we can give a dog or cat a small dose of prevention, and prevent a painful and potentially fatal condition in the future, why wouldn't we?" asked Dr. Good.
Owners who only use their heartworm prevention in the summer months could be putting their pets at even higher risk of complications. If a pet contracts heartworm in the winter when not on prevention, and then the owner starts prevention again, the FDA warns that the results could be fatal.
Some heartworm prevention prevents more than just heartworms. Sentinel Spectrum, the medication recommended at Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic, prevents heartworm as well as tapeworm, whipworm, hookworm, roundworm and fleas. Some of these parasites, especially the intestinal parasites, continue to be a risk to pets even in the winter.
About Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic
Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic offers a comprehensive list of veterinary services to pet owners throughout the greater Canton, Georgia, region. With a comprehensive on-site lab, diagnostic services and year-round pest prevention, Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic helps keep area pets healthy. For more information about protecting pets in the winter, or to make an appointment to ensure a pet is protected, contact Acres Mill Veterinary Clinic at 770-479-1905.