Is heartworm medicine necessary for dogs in Colorado?

Is heartworm medicine necessary for dogs in Colorado?

Typically, our veterinarians recommend keeping your dog on heartworm prevention year-round. It protects your dog, particularly when mosquitoes hatch on those warm winter days above 60 degrees.

Is heartworm prevalent in Colorado?

The prevalence of heartworms in Colorado rose at greater than 3-fold the national average during the observation period, rising from 0.5% in 2013 to 0.84% in 2017, an increase of 67.5% in just four years During that same time period, the prevalence of heartworms in the USA has risen by 20.7%.

Do dogs need interceptor?

Interceptor will prevent the eggs from forming into adult parasites in your dog’s GI tract, causing nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Two of those parasites, roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread from pets to people, usually children and adults or elderly with compromised immune systems.

Does my dog need interceptor every month?

INTERCEPTOR PLUS should be administered orally, once every month, at the minimum dosage of 0.23 mg/lb (0.5 mg/kg) milbemycin oxime, and 2.28 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) praziquantel. For heartworm prevention, give once monthly for at least 6 months after exposure to mosquitoes (see EFFECTIVENESS). 2 to 8 lbs.

Do dogs need a heartworm test every year?

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. If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication—or give it late—it can leave your dog unprotected.

How do you know if your dog has heartworm?

Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.

How old do dogs have to be to take interceptor plus?

Interceptor® Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) protects against 5 types of dangerous worms in dogs, including heartworm disease. It’s a once-monthly, tasty chew flavored with real chicken that’s approved for dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater. Discover how Interceptor Plus can protect your clients.

What kind of medication is interceptor for dogs?

Interceptor Interceptor is an antiparasitic medication and heartworm preventative available by prescription for dogs and cats. The active ingredient in Interceptor is milbemycin oxime, which kills heartworm larvae and mature hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in canine body tissue.

How often should I give my Dog Sentinel and interceptor?

General Description. Milbemycin is used to prevent heartworm and other parasitic infestations on your pet. It is found in two drugs, Sentinel® (Milbemycin Oxime and Lufenuron) and Interceptor® (Milbemycin Oxime only). Interceptor® is to be given every 30 days, preferably on the same day every month to treat and prevent fleas and other parasites.

What are the side effects of interceptor plus?

Proper administration is also important because it ensures that Interceptor ® Plus (milbemycin oxime/praziquantel) can do its job to its fullest ability, and keep your dog protected. For maximum efficacy, your dog’s veterinarian must find the right dosage for your dog.

How old does a dog have to be to get interceptor plus?

Interceptor ® Plus is a monthly chew that protects dogs and puppies 6 weeks or older and 2 pounds or greater against heartworm disease, adult hookworm, roundworm, tapeworm and whipworm infections.

What are the benefits of interceptor for dogs?

Interceptor for dogs is a great preventative medication that takes on the nastier side of the parasite family. Working to prevent heart, whip, hook, and roundworms along with ticks and mites is not only good to protect your dog but your household as well.

How does interceptor work to treat heartworms in dogs?

Interceptor begins treatment by interfering with the central nervous system of the larvae of heartworms that may be in your dog. It has to attack the larvae stage as it will not be effective against adult heartworms. It also will treat adult hookworms, remove whipworms and adult roundworms as well as controlling mites and ticks.

What should I do if my dog misses a dose of interceptor?

Your dog can take the chewable from your hand or with a small amount of food. Just make sure they consume the whole dose. After your dog has taken the chewable, observe your pet for a few minutes to ensure that no part of the dose is lost or rejected. If you suspect that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.