Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes.  A heartworm infection can cause severe lung disease and heart failure that can result in death. Typical signs of heartworm disease in dogs include a mild, persistent cough, fatigue after moderate exercise, a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It is important to note, however, that these symptoms may take years to develop after initial infection. Some dogs can develop heart failure or even die. Treatment for heartworm disease is very challenging and expensive. Without treatment, a dog diagnosed with the disease will worsen and face serious illness.

Because of the extreme nature of the disease and risk of treatment Timberview Veterinary Hospital recommends keeping your dog on a year-round heartworm preventative that is administered on a monthly basis. In addition to ensuring your dog does not contract deadly heartworm disease, most heartworm preventatives also control or eliminate other parasites as well, thereby providing broad spectrum year-round parasite control.

While there are many different heartworm preventatives available, we carry Interceptor-Plus. This product is easily administered as it is a chicken-flavored soft shew. In addition to preventing heartworm disease it deworms on a regular basis for roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms.