Does my Cat have Heartworm Disease or Respiratory Issues?
Cats are much more resistant to heartworm than dogs, but that doesn’t mean that they are completely out of danger. They show different symptoms than dogs and might not even show the symptoms for a long time after being infected.
So, how do you know if your cat has heartworm disease, and when do you know that it is a potential risk? How can you protect your cat, if it’s not Heartworm but another Respiratory issue, how can you differentia... moreDoes my Cat have Heartworm Disease or Respiratory Issues?
Cats are much more resistant to heartworm than dogs, but that doesn’t mean that they are completely out of danger. They show different symptoms than dogs and might not even show the symptoms for a long time after being infected.
So, how do you know if your cat has heartworm disease, and when do you know that it is a potential risk? How can you protect your cat, if it’s not Heartworm but another Respiratory issue, how can you differentiate? You might be brewing these questions, which is why we will be discussing the answers to all of these.
How can your cat get infected?
Let’s start by understanding how your feline can get Heartworms. Although this is a disease mainly prevailing in dogs, cats are not immune to it. They can get the worms through mosquito bites. When mosquitoes bite an infected animal like a wild coyote, dog, or fox, they pick up immature parasites and carry them in their bodies and when these mosquitoes bite a healthy cat they transmit the immature parasites to the feline’s body.
Here they will grow and mature over the next 6-8 months. These worms once fully grown migrate through blood vessels and travel into their heart or lungs, blocking the blood vessels after a period.
Symptoms of Heartworm
Even before these worms reach the heart or the lungs of your cat, they can cause severe damage to its body. As these parasites are large enough to block blood vessels, the immune system is awakened and this causes an inflammatory reaction. The blockage of blood vessels also makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
When these worms reach the lungs, most common symptoms that you can see are,
Coughing
Difficulty in breathing
Asthma-like breathing
Occasional vomiting
Poor appetite
Weight-loss
Difficulty in walking
Fainting spells
Seizures
Some of these symptoms coincide with other respiratory diseases, which is why it is difficult to distinguish between both conditions.
Why is there confusion between Respiratory problems and heartworm disease?
Immature Heartworms in the feline’s body often cause a condition called Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). This damages the lungs and circulatory system and often occurs way before symptoms are evident. As we’ve seen the symptoms are more similar to other respiratory issues so it gets misinterpreted as a respiratory issue and not Heartworm. Cats have an inflammatory reaction when adult worms die; this has an allergic reaction similar to asthma.
Asthma flare-up in cats results in difficulty in breathing and coughing. The coughing often appears like vomiting hairballs, making the diagnosis more complicated. All of these similar reactions often get heartworm diseases confused with respiratory problems.
How to differentiate between heartworm disease and respiratory problems?
Cats, unlike dogs, have only 2-3 adult worms in their system and sometimes spontaneously get rid of the worms on their own. But often the damage to the heart, lungs and other organs is already done. Additionally, many cats have no adult worms; instead, they just have severe inflammation and lung damage caused by immature worms.
Now this adds to the complication as many heartworm tests are meant only for adult worms, and false-negative results are common, which leaves the cats undiagnosed. Another is antigen test, which gives results within 10 minutes but is less accurate if fewer adult worms or immature forms of worms are present.
So, to be sure that your cat has heartworm and not any other respiratory issue, you will have to combine a lot of tests like antigen and antibody tests. Along with these, you can get chest radiographs, heart ultrasounds, and Eosinophilic counts, and by combining them with the clinical signs, your veterinarian can get a near-to-accurate diagnosis.
How can you protect your feline from heartworm?
The best thing you can do for your cats is to give them regular heartworm preventive treatments. Along with these, you will have to keep your house clean and regularly groom your cats to reduce the chances of them getting a mosquito bite. Regular vet check-ups can help you keep heartworm off the table.
Prevention is always better than cure! So keep your feline healthy and safe from this dangerous disease by giving them proper care and regular treatments.
Buy Now:- https://www.vetsupply.com.au/dog-heartwormers/c108.aspx?utm_source=seo&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=isitheartwormorrespiratory
What is in your Dog’s flea and tick Treatments?
As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. You take care of their dietary needs and their oral hygiene, but have you ever thought about the ingredients in their flea and tick treatment. Fleas and ticks can cause serious health problems for dogs, such as skin infections, anemia, and Lyme disease. Therefore, choosing the right preventive treatment for your dog is essential. It’s important to under... moreWhat is in your Dog’s flea and tick Treatments?
As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy. You take care of their dietary needs and their oral hygiene, but have you ever thought about the ingredients in their flea and tick treatment. Fleas and ticks can cause serious health problems for dogs, such as skin infections, anemia, and Lyme disease. Therefore, choosing the right preventive treatment for your dog is essential. It’s important to understand the active ingredients in these products and how they work to protect your pup from pesky pests.
In this blog, we will tell you what goes on the most preferred flea and tick preventatives available along with its usefulness for you to choose the best for your pet.
1 – Seresto –Flea and Tick Collar
Seresto collar is an easy to use flea and tick preventive that is effective against flea and tick prevention in dogs for a long duration of eight months, which means you won’t have to worry about pesky fleas and ticks for a while. Plus, it is water-resistant, so your pup can still enjoy water activities without compromising its effectiveness., Note that in order to make it last for eight months ensure you bathe your dog once per month.
Seresto collar contains two powerful active ingredients that work together to kill and repel fleas, ticks, and other biting pests. It comes in two sizes; Seresto collar for small dogs up to 8 kg and Seresto collar for large dogs over 8kg.
2 – Nexgard Spectra – Broad-Spectrum Chewable
NexGard Spectra is a broad-spectrum chewable treatment that makes parasite protection easy for dogs. This monthly treatment works against both external and internal parasites. It kills fleas and ticks, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites as well as controls intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, and prevents heartworm disease and flea tapeworm infestation.
It’s easy to administer because of its tasty beef flavor, making it a favorite among many dogs. Nexgard spectra is available in five different pack sixes for dogs above 8 weeks of age, ranging from 2 to 60 kg body weight. For dogs above 60kg, an appropriate combination is recommended.
3 – Bravecto Spot on- Long Lasting Topical Solution
Bravecto Spot-On is a long-lasting topical flea and ticks treatment. The new improved Bravecto-spot on offers six months of protection. One spot-on solution is enough for you to stay relaxed for six months. The topical solution protects dogs against the most dangerous ticks in Australia i.e paralysis ticks within 72 hours of administration.
bravecto spot on for dogs
It is also effective against different types of ticks, including the black-legged tick that can transmit Lyme disease. Bravecto Spot-on treatment comes in easy to use twist n use tube that makes administration easy, especially for dogs that are too fussy to take chewable. Moreover, it is safe to use in pregnant and lactating females.
Bottom Line
With the right flea and tick preventive, you can keep your furry friend healthy and happy all year round! Choose the product that you think is best for your pet, it is also important to consult your vet and have the understanding on which treatment is required for your dog’s webllbeing.in case of any further assistance, consult your vet.
Buy Now:- https://www.vetsupply.com.au/heartwormers/nexgard-spectra-for-dogs/p2030.aspx?utm_source=seo&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=whatisinyourdogfttreatment
Fleas and ticks can cause significant problems for pets by feeding on their blood, causing discomfort, spreading harmful diseases, and even infesting your home. That's why it’s essential to choose the right parasite preventive for your furry friend. There are numerous flea and tick treatments available for dogs, each with varying effectiveness and results. It's important to opt for the most recommended and reliable option. Below are the top five vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for dogs.... moreFleas and ticks can cause significant problems for pets by feeding on their blood, causing discomfort, spreading harmful diseases, and even infesting your home. That's why it’s essential to choose the right parasite preventive for your furry friend. There are numerous flea and tick treatments available for dogs, each with varying effectiveness and results. It's important to opt for the most recommended and reliable option. Below are the top five vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for dogs.
Top 5 Vet-Recommended Flea and Tick Treatments for Dogs
REVOLUTION
Revolution, produced by Zoetis, is a monthly spot-on treatment known for its comprehensive protection.
Active ingredient: Selamectin
Eliminates over 98% of fleas within 36 hours
Also treats Sarcoptic mange
Prevents heartworm and treats intestinal worms such as hookworms and roundworms
Safe for dogs over 6 weeks old
Prevents flea re-infestation
FRONTLINE PLUS
Manufactured by Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim), Frontline Plus is a trusted monthly spot-on treatment.
Active ingredients: Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene
Kills fleas and ticks within 48 hours, including dangerous ticks like brown ticks and paralysis ticks (up to two weeks)
Effective against all life stages of parasites for four weeks
Kills by contact, avoiding painful bites
Treats Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) and Sarcoptic mange
Safe for dogs over 8 weeks old, including breeding and lactating dogs
NEXGARD SPECTRA
Nexgard Spectra, produced by Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim), offers broad-spectrum protection.
Active ingredients: Afoxolaner and Milbemycin oxime
Monthly beef-flavored chew
Controls paralysis, brown dog, and bush ticks for 4 weeks
Eliminates fleas for up to 5 weeks
Treats gastrointestinal worms like roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms
Safe for puppies over 8 weeks old
Prevents heartworm
Consult a vet if your dog has a history of seizures, epilepsy, or tremors
NEXGARD
Nexgard, also manufactured by Merial (now Boehringer Ingelheim), is an easy-to-administer beef-flavored monthly chew.
Active ingredient: Afoxolaner
Effective against brown dog ticks, paralysis ticks, and bush ticks
Kills fleas before they lay eggs, with effects starting in 8 hours and complete flea elimination in 24 hours
Safe for puppies over 8 weeks old and all breeds
Consult a vet if your dog has a history of seizures, epilepsy, or tremors
BRAVECTO
Produced by MSD Animal Health, Bravecto is a convenient 3-month flea and tick treatment.
Active ingredient: Fluralaner
Kills fleas within 8 hours and paralysis ticks within 24 hours
Effective for up to 4 months against paralysis ticks
Palatable and easily accepted by dogs
Suitable for all breeds, including pregnant and lactating dogs
Cost-effective due to its 3-month dosage, reducing non-compliance risks
Before starting any treatment, consult your vet to determine the most effective option for your dog. These trusted products are highly recommended by pet owners and are safe for your furry companion.
