With Spring soon upon us, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming heartworm season. Heartworm is caused by a parasite called dirofiliaria immitis. It is spread to dogs, and recently cats, by a mosquito. The mosquito is a necessary part of the life cycle.

Traditionally this disease only occurred in hot and humid states that were essential to mosquito breeding. The disease occurs throughout our country now, although heatworm preventive medications have had a significant effect in lowering the incidence of heartworms.

Dogs and cats of any breed can be infected, although we tend to see it more in large male dogs. Since it takes at least 6 months from the time a mosquito injects microfilaria into a dog until these microfilaria become adult heartworms, puppies must be at least 6 months of age before adult heartworms are present. Most dogs are diagnosed at middle age. Many dogs do not have any symptoms until heart failure progresses. This emphasizes the need for yearly testing.

Many products are available to prevent heartworm (some of them also treat intestinal worms so they can be of great value). These products are inexpensive, easy to use, and effective. They should not be used routinely unless your dog has a yearly heartworm test to make sure it is negative.

Heartworm infestation can lead to heart failure. Treatment can be hard on a dog, so it is of utmost importance to plan on preventing the problem with the low cost and readily available medications used for prevention, as opposed to taking a chance and treating only if the problem occurs.

At the Corner Animal Hospital, besides providing tests for heartworms, we also carry a full line of heartworm prevention medicine including:

• Interceptor
• Sentinel
• Heartgard

Every litter of puppies or kittens born contributes to the overwhelming statistics of animal overpopulation.  At the Corner Animal Hospital, we emphasize that prevention – spaying or neutering your pet – is the best way to help curb the problem of pet overpopulation.The benefits of spaying and neutering also include:

• More affectionate pets.
• Helping pets live a longer, happier life.
• Significantly decreasing the odds of your pet developing certain cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer in females and testicular and prostate cancer in males.
• Reducing roaming tendencies so your pet will be less likely to get lost, stolen, injured or killed.
• Helping animal shelters from being overburdened with a surplus of animals.

Taking these small steps can help ensure your pet will live a longer, healthier life!

The Corner Animal Hospital is located in Setauket, New York.

Call 631.941.3500 to make an appointment today to have your pet spayed or neutered.

Click here for directions to our Long Island vet location.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats are not natural enemies and can actually become very close friends when living in the same home together!

Dogs bury bones in order to ensure that they will always be able to find food even if it is not readily available.

Like wolves, dogs dig because of an ingrained genetic behavior to excavate dens, look for prey, or create a cool place to rest. Excessive digging can also be a response to boredom.

If you have to travel on a plane with your pet, be sure to bring him into the cabin with you. Be sure to check with the airline in advance for their rules before you make reservations. Make sure that both your pet and his carrier have proper identification. Never fly your pet in the cargo hold of the plane.

When considering bringing a bird into your home, think about canaries, finches, cockatiels, parakeets, and lovebirds who have a long history of selective breeding in captivity. These birds are domestic strains of wild birds, and their needs can be met relatively easily by human care.

As pets, canaries and finches can live 8-10 years, while

cockatiels, parakeets, and lovebirds can live up to 20 years.

After cats and dogs, birds are the most popular pet

in the United States.

Support local nature centers and wildlife

sanctuaries.