Prevention & Parasites

It is reported that over 1 million dogs currently have heartworm disease in the United States. Heartworm disease is also found in all 50 states.  Symptoms of heartworms are not always immediately apparent. Therefore, it can be difficult to detect symptoms in your pet. Some dogs may show no signs of the disease while others may exhibit clinical signs, such as a mild, persistent cough, reluctance to move or exercise (lethargy), fatigue after only moderate exercise, reduced appetite and/or weight loss.

Cats may also be infected with heartworms and they may exhibit clinical signs that are non-specific, such as vomiting, gagging, difficulty or rapid breathing, lethargy, and weight loss. If your pet is experiencing these symptoms, please call Blue Valley Animal Hospital at 913-681-2818 to schedule an appointment.

Heartworm Disease

In Kansas, fleas are a year-round problem for pets and their owners. They are not just a nuisance, as they carry diseases that can be dangerous to both you and your pet. For example, fleas can transmit tapeworms to your pet. Your pet can also be allergic to fleas, and even just one flea bite can cause an intense allergic reaction, resulting in a severely painful skin infection.

Ticks are prevalent in Kansas and they can carry a variety of serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks can start to transmit these diseases after being attached to your pet for only 24 hours. 

The good news is that these flea and tick problems can be avoided by using one of the safe and effective parasite prevention products that are available at Blue Valley Animal Hospital. We carry many different types of flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives.  Ask a member of the Blue Valley Animal Hospital medical team to recommend a product that is right for your pet.