Heartworm disease is becoming more prevalent in our area. In fact, last year at VCA Amherst Animal Hospital we diagnosed a native dog with heartworm disease. Although the threat of heartworms is more prevalent in the spring and summer here in Butte, we recommend that dogs stay on the heartworm preventative medication year around because it also prevents other intestinal parasites. Those intestinal parasites are roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms, which are contagious to people. They can pose a threat to your family particularly if you have children. The preventative medication is a monthly tablet and you can set up your Pet Portal to send you a reminder of when to give it.
Cats should also be treated for parasites on a regular basis.