Understanding Parasites and Preventable Illnesses this Spring Season
Spring is rolling-in and that means more time outside and more dangers to your pets. If you haven’t scheduled your pet’s routine examination, schedule to see our veterinarians in our Falls Church location to ensure your pet is being properly protected from serious diseases, such as Lyme disease, heartworms, and parasite carried illnesses.
More about Lyme Disease and Heartworms
Lyme Disease – 1 in 12 dogs in Fairfax County, Virginia tests positive for Lyme disease according to recent studies.* This risk increases as the time your dog spends outside increases, and this time of year everyone is getting outside more!
Symptoms of Lyme Disease:
- Painful joints that lasts 3–4 days,
- Loss of appetite and depression
- Stiffness and reluctance to move
- Warm and swollen joints
- Pain throughout the body, especially in the joints
- Swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue
Did you know?
Lyme disease has been found in every state in the U.S. and can affect dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Don’t take any chances with your pet’s health.
Heartworms – Mature heartworms can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs and up to 2 or 3 years in cats and can be fatal if not properly treated! Heartworms can also be easily prevented with regular preventative treatment and routine veterinary check-ups!
Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm in dogs:
- mild persistent cough
- slow and reluctance to exercise
- fatigue or after moderate activity
- lethargy
- reduced appetite
- weight loss
Signs and Symptoms of Heartworms in cats:
- Coughing or asthma-like attacks
- Vomiting or lack of appetite
- weight loss
“Annual testing is necessary, even when dogs are on heartworm prevention year-round, to ensure that the prevention program is working. Heartworm medications are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected.”
– American Heartworm Society
Our biggest comfort is knowing that parasites and these common diseases can be prevented through regular treatment and routine examinations.
*Reference: Companion Animal Parasite Council
Schedule an appointment online for your pet’s examination or call us to book your pet’s appointment.