Heartworm disease is dangerous, but completely preventable. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection by a veterinarian before starting a heartworm preventive program. Protect your dog or cat today.

Heartworm Disease, caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, was once considered a disease of the southern United States. But it is now found in every state in the continental United States. The mosquito is the only known vector for transmitting heartworm. Microfilariae enter a mosquito when it bites an infected pet. In 10-28 days they mature into larvae. The larvae enter a new animal's body when it is bitten by an infected mosquito. Larvae mature and migrate to the pet's heart. Worms in the heart mate and produce microfilariae (6-7 months after infection in dogs, 8 months in cats).

An important part of a complete heartworm prevention program is testing. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Testing ensures that your pet is free of adult heartworms, and ready to start or continue on heartworm preventive medication.

 A number of heartworm preventives are available to pet owners today. Some heartworm preventives contain additional ingredients that will control other parasites, such as roundworms or hookworms. A monthly preventive should be given to all pets. Remember that mosquitoes can get indoors, so even though your pet may not go outside, he is still susceptible.

Dental Health

Owners that practice good dental care with their dog will reap many benefits in the long run.

The most common cause of bad breath is excessive calculus and plaque deposits on the teeth. Bacteria live and feed in the plaque and produce gum and bone infection, pain, and bad breath.

Calculus is a crusty collection of food particles, minerals, and bacteria that forms at the teeth-gum borders.

Plaque formation eventually leads to gum disease, mouth odors, receding gums and bone destruction and infection. The rate at which plaque forms in your dog's mouth is mainly due to genetic predisposition, but can be slowed by daily oral hygiene using antiplaque liquid or gel and/or pastes and regular professional cleaning and polishing.

Pyorrhea (inflamed and infected gums) of the teeth is often the cause of kidney infections and endocarditis in older dogs. The pressure on the gums and infection of the teeth is quite painful to your dog.

                                                      Preventive Suggestions'

An antiplaque liquid or gel (Chlorhexidine) can be applied to the gum tissue with a cotton ball or swab. As an alternative, a soft bristle toothbrush or finger brush can be used with a non-foaming enzymatic toothpaste manufactured for dogs.

Treatments should be done daily or at least every other day, depending on the current problems. Only a few areas are particularly susceptible to plaque and calculus formation. The areas of greatest concern are the canines and upper back molars (side facing cheeks).

Chlorhexidine penetrates gum tissue and prevents bacterial growth, plaque build-up, gingivitis, and bad breath. In addition to the canines and molars, look at the front incisor teeth and brush away any accumulation of hair and food at the gum line if present.

To remove existing calculus deposits, your dog will require short general anesthesia and your dog's teeth will be cleaned with dental instruments along with an ultra-sonic machine that vibrates the calculus off the surface of the teeth. Calculus from under the gum tissue is carefully removed using a hand scaler. Finally, the teeth are polished to reduce purchase for new deposits. This can often be done when the dog is under anasthetic for other reasons, such as neutering.

Dogs do not commonly get cavities. When they do occur, it is more often at the root of the tooth rather than at the crown. Cavities can lead to root abscesses.

Abscessed roots often cause a swelling just below the animal's eye. Generally, tooth extractions are needed at this point.

Brookside Animal Hospital is focusing on your pets dental health. If your pet hasn't recieved a dental please make an appointment today.

It only is a preventative measure to avoid critical health problems later as well as helping them to keep their teeth for a healthier life. If these measures are not applied it will only lead to more costly medical care and problems later in their lives.