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Question 26: I have
been told that I should be giving heartworm and intestinal
parasite prevention year-round to my dog. Why is this
necessary?
Answer:
Heartgard Plus, our preferred parasite preventative, protects
against heartworms, roundworms and hookworms.
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Heartworms are blood parasites that are transmitted by
infected mosquitoes.
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Heartgard Plus is only effective if it is given every 30
days.
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Heartgard Plus is only effective against immature
heartworms (larvae).
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Owners can forget to give Heartgard Plus.
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Dogs can throw up Heartgard Plus without their owners
knowing it.
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Giving Heartgard Plus year-round increases the
likelihood that all heartworm larvae will be killed.
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The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round
heartworm prevention.
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Roundworms and hookworms are intestinal
parasites that are transmitted through the soil from
infected stool.
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Roundworms and hookworms can survive Minnesota winters
and become infective during warm spells.
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Dogs can become infected with roundworms and hookworms
when they travel during the winter.
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Roundworms and hookworms can infect people and cause
significant and in some cases life threatening disease.
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The Centers for Disease Control and the Companion Animal
Parasite Council recommend year-round intestinal
parasite prevention.
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