One Million Dogs Receive Heartworm Every Year How To Keep Your Puppy Healthy

Your pet is part of your family. Just like any family member, you become worried when they show signs of illness. When it comes to taking care of your cat, dog or horse, seeking out the aid of veterinary diagnostics companies is a necessary part of the process. Even though the Internet can provide us with useful information and help us get started on the path to treatment, a professional eye can spot what the casual eye cannot. If you’re unsure about how contract lab services work or whether or not your horse might have the equine infectious anemia virus, below will provide some basic information on common diseases and how to get the support your pet needs.

What Are Common Diseases That Affect Dogs?

Whether you have one dog or three, veterinary diagnostics companies have you covered. There are an estimated 80 million dogs in the United States as we speak, with one million dogs estimated to be heartworm positive on a yearly basis. The average infected dog can have as many as 30 worms in their heart or lungs. Common signs of a heartworm infection is coughing, unusual exhaustion, whining and vomiting.

What About Diseases That Affect Cats?

Cats are also prone to developing heartworm. Unlike dogs, cats will often have six or fewer worms present during an infection. While the severity of a heartworm case in dogs is contingent on how many worms are present, a mere one or two worms in a cat can make them severely ill and in need of an antigen heartworm test. Fortunately, heartworms can be easily removed with the aid of a professional as well as prevented with medication and healthy habits.

Are There Common Diseases That Could Affect My Horse?

Over two million horses are owned across the United States. Horses are also prone to common diseases and should be given regular check-ups to ensure their health. The most common is the equine infectious anemia virus, shortened to EIAV, and can cause a horse to become severely ill and die within a mere two to three week span. Even one-fifth of a teaspoon of blood provided from a feverish episode can infect an alarming 10,000 horses. Horses are inapparent carriers, meaning they show no overt clinical abnormalities when infected unlike cats or dogs.

When Should My Pets Be Vaccinated?

There are several precautions you can take to ensure your pet’s health. Puppies younger than seven months old can be started on an early heartworm prevention regimen without a test, since it can take up to six months for a dog to test positive after being infected with the disease. However, your puppy should be tested six months after the initial visit and again after another six months to make sure they’re free of heartworms. Heartworm treatments can cost up to $1,000 at a time, which makes monthly preventative measures much cheaper by comparison.

When Should I Seek Out Veterinary Diagnostics Companies?

There are times to use over-the-counter medication and times to seek out contract laboratory services. When EIAV is notoriously deadly to horses and a mere one or two worms can make your cat extremely ill, the aid of a professional can properly diagnose your pet and provide them the treatment they need. There are even pet insurance plans you can sign up for to make sure your animal is properly covered all days of the year. Make sure to double-check the plan, as some don’t include vaccinations or surgeries. With a little foresight, you can provide your dog, horse or cat the healthy life they deserve.