Warm weather is back – mosquitoes will be too | Observer Local News | Palm Coast Observer and Ormond Beach Observer

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

As we prepared to move to Florida more than 20 years ago, I took my dog to his veterinarian in Virginia for one last check up. The vet's parting words have stuck with me, “You do know where they test heartworm preventatives right?”

Florida is definitely one state where annual heartworm testing and preventatives is not an option, it is a necessity. Now is the time to have your pets tested and preventative medications begun.

In colder regions owners can let down their guard in the winter months. Highly unlikely you will be bitten by a mosquito in Boston in February. In Florida, the calendar doesn't play a role in when to treat – the thermometer does – which is why most vets will recommend you keep your pets on preventative meds all year long.

Heartworms can be fatal to your animals. The worms live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Hearworms live inside the dog, mature into adults and lay eggs.

The disease is different in cats. While most heartworms will not survive to adult stage in cats, even immature worms can cause damage. There is no medication to treat heartworms in cats. Prevention is essential for our felines

The treatment to get rid of heartworms in dogs is expensive and not an easy process for the dog. Please make an appointment with your vet today.

Guest Pet of the Week

Tanner is a Chihuahua who lives with Gail Berry. Tanner was only 3 pounds when he was found on the streets of Detroit. An animal rescue in Rhode Island took him in and brought him back to good health and he became a member of the Berry family. The family had just lost their beloved Teena, another Chihuahua, and had love to give. Tanner has found himself a forever home.

Here is Gail's description of Tanner's first visit to his new home:

“On his first visit to our home he walked from room to room, marked his territory (my curtains), and made himself to home on our sofa. He had no intention on leaving- that was five years ago. His job is to bark when strangers approach our home, which he does very well, and likes to spend his free time walking and sunbathing. Tanner is the most gentle and calm Chihuahua we have ever met, we have never heard him growl at anyone, but he can get impatient with overly playful dogs.”