Adopting a New Dog: One Question You Must Ask!!

Adopting a New Dog: One Question You Must Ask

That precious face! Those pleading eyes! That expressive tail! Adopting a dog is a wonderful—and sometimes life-changing—experience. As you adopt your new furry family member, be sure to ask if he or she has been tested for heartworm disease. If not, we can do a quick and easy test to make sure your dog is heartworm free, then give an injection to protect against this dangerous disease for a full six months.

No Heartworm Disease Here!

We hear it often: “But we don’t have heartworm disease around here.” That’s not so true. The American Heartworm Society tells us that this potentially deadly disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states. Plus, your new canine friend may have come to our area from another part of the country where heartworm disease is even more widespread.

Why Didn’t They Tell Me?

Unfortunately, especially in its early stages, heartworm disease displays few, if any, symptoms. Some dogs may cough, but it is not unusual for no symptoms to be present. That’s why the test is so important. The earlier we can catch the disease, the higher the chances for successful treatment.

The Truth About Heartworm Disease Treatment

What if my dog tests positive, you may ask? We can’t lie, the treatment isn’t pretty. It involves a number of medications and restricts your dog to a cage or kennel for up to four months—or perhaps even longer. That’s why it is so important for you to talk with us about heartworm disease preventatives.

Just One Dose Twice a Year

A new Harris Poll reports that 27 percent of dog owners said they barely remember to take their own medication—let alone administer medication to their dogs!¹ That’s why we recommend a safe and easy heartworm preventative that provides 6 months of protection in 1 injection.

You want to give your new dog a good life—that’s why you adopted. We are here to help make sure you have many happy, healthy years together without the worry of life-threatening diseases like heartworm. Make an appointment today! We can’t wait to meet your new best friend!

¹Zoetis Data on File. Harris Poll of 784 U.S. dog owners. February 2015.