Pets need complete protection against external as well as internal parasitic infestation to lead a healthy life. External parasites like fleas are visible to our eyes and thus it is comparatively easier to get rid of them. Whereas internal parasites like heartworms and other intestinal worms are not detected until they reach their adult phase.
In case of heartworm infestation veterinarians say that it is easier and cheaper to prevent rather than curing the disease. Canines and felines get infected by heartworms through a bite of an infected mosquito. Use of efficient heartworm preventives is recommended to protect the pets all round the year.
However pet owners fail to do so because of a few myths believed about heartworms. Here we’ll debunk 5 such myths that may be responsible for your laid attitude about using heartwormers.
Let’s have a look!
Myth#1: Pets can be infected by heartworms only in specific season.
Fact: Although development of mosquitoes depends on temperature, you cannot entirely be sure about its absence. Water pools at your home, ponds having warm temperatures encourage mosquito development and where there are mosquitoes there is a chance of heartworm infestation. Therefore arrival of winters should not stop you with the prevention treatment on your pets. Protect your pets from heartworms all around the year to avoid lethal circumstances.
Myth#2: Cats cannot get infected with heartworms, only dogs can.
Fact: Cats are as susceptible to this infestation as much as dogs are. Presence of mosquitoes in the environment is a threat to your felines too. Use of heartwormers for cats is recommended to save them from the unhealthy situations later.
Myth#3: Indoor cats and dogs are safe from heartworm infestation.
Fact: Do you not get bitten by a mosquito while indoors? Of course everybody does, right? Similarly dogs and cats that stay indoors are not any exceptions. They are as much in danger and need prevention to fight the probability of heartworm infestation whether indoors or outdoors.
Myth#4: Kittens and puppies are immune to heartworm infestation.
Fact: Although mothers pass immunity strength to puppies and kittens through her milk, they are not entirely protected from heartworms. Experts recommend starting prevention at an early age to safeguard young pets from this infestation.
Myth#5: Heartworms are contagious.
Heartworms are not contagious and pets may get infected only and only through an infected mosquito. There are no chances of getting heartworm infestation by an infected dog or cat. This parasitic infestation can affect only dogs, cats, ferrets, and other mammals. Humans are rarely affected by mosquitoes as heartworms cannot complete their lifecycle in humans.
These myths may have been misguiding you and have a potential to affect your canines and felines. Heartworm prevention is necessary for all canines and felines of all breeds. It is important that you get your pet checked for infestation before starting any preventive treatment. Use of treatments like Heartgard Plus, Revolution, Interceptor, etc. is recommended only if the test results are not positive. So, consult your vet to get the tests done and protect your furry friends with suitable preventives.