Pet Wellness

How Is Heartworm Disease Diagnosed And Prevented?

2017-07-02

Heartworm disease is diagnosed with a blood test that detects antibodies to the parasite in cats and antigen produced by the worms in dogs. We recommend testing all dogs once a year, and using healthy and heartworm preventative once a month all year. We recommend testing cats that go outside, and any cats that show signs of respiratory distress or coughing.

St. Louis Park Veterinarian

Anal Gland Tumors
Brushing Teeth in Cats
Brushing Teeth in Dogs
Buyer beware - purchasing pet drugs online
Cat Behavior and Training - Crate Training and Travel
Cat Behavior Problems - Aggression - Petting Aggression
Chocolate Poisoning for Dogs
Coccidiosis in Dogs
Cystitis and Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats
Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs
Dog Behavior and Training - Crate Training Guide - How to Crate Train
FELV Infection Information Sheet
FISH OIL
Flea Control in Cats
Flea Control in Dogs
Giving Pills to Cats
Giving Pills to Dogs
Heartworm Disease in Dogs - Testing
Hookworm Infection in Dogs
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Internal Parasites in Cats
Internal Parasites in Dogs
Kidney Failure - Chronic in Dogs
Kitten Behavior and Training - Litter Box Training
Lyme Disease in Dogs - Testing
Obesity in Cats
Pancreatic Disease - Testing
Pancreatitis in Cats
Pet Environment
Resource list-companion animal loss and death
Roundworm Infection in Dogs
Whipworm Infections in Dogs

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Beat the Heat - Summertime Pet Safety Tips

5/16/2022

Never leave your pet alone in the car. Even with the car running and the air conditioner on, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85°degree day, with the windows opened slightly, the temperature in the car can reach 102° in 10 minutes and 120° in 30 minutes. When in doubt, leave your pet at home.

Exercise during cooler hours. Pets may be eager to be outside during the summer, but its important to pay attention to temperature and humidity levels. Exercise your pet when temperatures are cooler, such as in the early morning or evening hours, especially if they are overweight or flat-faced. Also remember, if the asphalt is too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws, so encourage them to walk on grass if possible.

Protect against external parasites. Fleas, ticks, and heartworms (transmitted by mosquitoes) are out in force during the summer months. Protect your pet year-round with preventative medicine as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Gnat Bites

5/18/2020

Many dog owners are noticing small (less than 1 inch diameter), bullseye patterned marks on the underside of their dog. These marks are often caused by a species of gnat that emerges from the grass and bites the dog. The bites cause a bullseye mark that many confuse with a bullseye rash caused by the Lyme disease bacteria. It is important to note that dogs do not develop a bullseye rash with Lyme disease exposure, only people do.

The Realities of Heartworm Disease

12/10/2018

Heartworm disease is found in many areas of the world, including the United States. It is a serious disease that can be fatal, even with treatment. It is caused by worms that can grow up to a foot long, and live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected animals.