Animal Hospital

The winter season is almost over and with that come new things to consider when caring for your pets.

Heartworm Flea and Tick Preventatives:

• Dogs - Flea and tick prevention should begin in March and continue through December.  Heartworm prevention should begin in April and continue through December (Considering recent warming trends, some owners continue year round treatment). 
• Cats - Heartworm prevention (no routine testing) is strongly recommended for all cats April through December.  4% of cats are exposed to this disease, it is a common cause of asthma type symptoms, and sudden, fatal arrhythmias.  There is no difference in the incidence of disease in indoor versus outdoor cats.  Flea and tick prevention is the same as in dogs.
• Ferrets – Should be on heartworm prevention (similar to dogs).
• Other – ask us about flea prevention for other species (e.g. rabbits, pocket pets, etc.) in the case of a household infestation.  

Where to purchase preventatives?

• Manufacturers do not support or guarantee internet sales of their products.
• Pet and feed stores typically charge much more for these products, than your veterinarian.
• Hidden shipping costs will often inflate your costs.
• Our prices are usually better than those found on the internet – we invite you to compare prices.
• Because manufacturers WANT their products to be sold by your veterinarian, they supply us with discount coupons for volume purchases.
• We are able to sell single doses for those owners who prefer to buy their preventatives on an “as needed” basis.
• Preventatives only work if they are prescribed at the appropriate dose based on an animal’s weight.  Your veterinarian can dose your pet effectively.

DID YOU REMEMBER YOUR PREVENTATIVES? 
IT’S GOOD MEDICINE.