Heartworm Prevention in El Paso
Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states and many countries across the world. The disease is transmitted by mosquitos, and a single bite from an infected mosquito can infect your pet. The warm weather in El Paso means mosquitos are an issue year round. Since mosquitos occasionally get indoors, even completely indoor pets, including cats and ferrets, are at risk. Heartworm is a serious, potentially fatal disease, treatable only by a veterinarian, and heartworm treatment can be risky and costly. The way to avoid heartworm treatment is monthly heartworm preventative.
When your pet is bitten by an infected mosquito, heartworm larvae are injected into the pet’s bloodstream. It will take approximately 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms, which will live and reproduce in your pet’s heart and lungs.
In the early stages of heartworm infection, your pet may show no symptoms. In dogs, once the heartworms are mature, you may notice coughing, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, and listlessness. Infected cats also exhibit coughing and respiratory distress, and may vomit. Since prevention is nearly 100% effective, a visit to your veterinarian is in order even if your pet is symptoms free.
You can make an appointment with Dr. Vicki Dashley or Dr. Alfredo Lara by calling 915-592-6200. If you’re new to El Paso and TLC Animal Hospital, you can save time at your first visit by downloading and completing the new patient form and bringing it with you. Once you have checked in, one of our veterinary technicians will get your pet’s vital statistics (brief history, weight, temperature, etc.). Dr. Dashley or Dr. Lara will perform a physical, and blood tests to determine whether your dog has heartworm disease. For your cat, diagnosis may require a series of tests.
If the tests for heartworm are negative, our veterinarian will recommend one of several monthly heartworm preventative medications. In the event your pet has heartworm, our veterinarian will explain the available treatment options. At some point, your pet will be exposed to heartworm. Don’t wait until the only option is treatment; prevention is the way to go, so make that appointment!
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Monday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 10:00 am
Sunday
Closed