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Protect Your Pet From Heartworm Disease

She captured your heart. Now, find out how to protect hers.

Remember your pet’s heart health this February with tips from the pet experts at PetSmart Charities®.

♥ Protecting your pet from deadly heartworm disease;

♥ Determining if your pet is overweight - how just a few extrapounds can harm your pet’s heart health;

♥ Developing a heart-healthy diet andexercise plan for your pet.PetSmart Charities, Inc.

February 1, 2009

MYTH: Heartworm disease only affects dogs in humid regions or areas with a large population of mosquitoes.

FACT: The disease is found throughout North America, and even in dry regions.

PROTECT YOUR PET FROM HEARTWORM DISEASE

All it takes is one mosquito bite and an invisible transmission of larvae called microfilarie. The biting mosquito releases the microscopic microfilarie into the dog’s bloodstream. In the months that follow, the microfilarie mature into adult "heartworms" – so named because they lodge in the heart and arteries of the lungs. As the heartworms grow to be several inches in length, they block blood flow, essentially choking the dog from deep inside the chest cavity. Your dog could be infected but not show symptoms for months."Symptoms include decreased activity and a decrease in exercise tolerance, difficulty breathing and coughing," Jaynes explained. "If your dog exhibits symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian right away. A blood test will reveal whether your dog is infected and you can speak to your veterinarian about treatment options."Although various treatment protocols are available, Jaynes warned that in somecases, the treatment itself could be fatal. Treatment involves a series of injectionsthat kill the heartworms in stages. Dogs who are receiving treatment cannot beactive; and, pet parents should plan for several follow-up veterinary visits until thedog is deemed healthy. In addition, treatment can be costly.

Prevention, however, is the opposite: It’s inexpensive, and the monthly medicine iseasy to give with few, if any, side effects, Jaynes said. "And most notably, it preventsa deadly condition." "Veterinarians recommend the monthly preventative treatment for all dogs," Jaynes said. "The preventative used to be somewhat of an option, but now it’s very standard." To begin preventative medication, schedule an appointment for your dog with your veterinarian. Your dog must have a blood test before she can begin taking it. While on the preventative medication, your dog is protected – as are you from the heartbreak of losing your best friend to a preventable condition.

Consider that your cat’s ideal weight is 10 pounds. She loves the new treats you bought her, and has gained a couple extra pounds in the last few months. Now, she weighs 12 pounds. But it’s only 2 pounds, right? Wrong!

(PHOENIX) – We’ve all heard that being overweight can be harmful to our health. The same is also true for our pets, veterinarians warn. Just like people, our pets are at risk for heart disease and other ailments – including diabetes, bone and joint injuries and potentially even some types of cancer – when they weigh more than they should. But how much weight is too much? "Oftentimes, you can tell just by looking at and touching your pet," said Dr. Robyn Jaynes, pet expert and Director of Veterinary Services for PetSmart®. "With pets, you cannot always rely on numbers on a scale because an ideal weight will vary based on a pet’s breed and structure." Companion pets should have definition with a strong chest that "tucks in" at the waist area vs. "looking like a barrel," Jaynes said. And from the top? "They shouldn’t be flat … or look like a coffee table," she added. While you shouldn’t be able to see every rib, you should be able to feel theribs without pressing too firmly, she added. A simple test involves placing your thumbs together on your pet’s backbone and then sliding your fingers downward onto either side of the ribcage. If you can easily feel your pet’s ribs, then he is probably in good shape. Jaynes also encourages pet parents to examine charts that illustrate what their species and breed of pet should look like at optimal weight. And, to be certain, consult a veterinarian.

It’s important to work with your veterinarian to resolve weight woes. In some cases, an underlying health issue, such as hypothyroidism, could be the culprit. More often, the cause is one that many people know all too well: too many high fat, high-calorie meals and treats, and not enough physical activity. If that’s the case, your veterinarian can develop a plan that involves phasing in a light-food diet, paring down fatty treats, and slowly starting appropriate daily physical activity. "It’s really important to work with your veterinarian to avoid potentially harmful mistakes," Jaynes added. Over-exercising an overweight pet – such as sudden rambunctious play, running, or even walking too far,too soon – can be dangerous. In addition, when it comes to cats, suddenly withholding food can impair proper liver function. Regardless of species, all pets need a healthy diet that meets their nutritional needs.

Tips for Helping Pets Eat Right, Stay Fit

(PHOENIX) – Exercising and eating right are just as important for pets as they are for people. The following tips from PetSmart Charities® can help your best friend stay fit and trim:

Physical Activity

Pets need regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and promote heart health. Dogs will enjoy a daily leashed walk or trip to the dog park, while cats can romp, run and play with toys. Consult your veterinarian before you start your pet on a rigorous exercise regime, or if your pet is overweight, geriatric, or has other health concerns.

Eat Right … and the Right Amount

Are you following the recommended daily feeding chart printed on the back of the pet-food box? If so, but your pet seems too heavy or too thin, consult your veterinarian. Every pet is different, so your pet may need more or less food than what the manufacturer suggests. Also, watch out for pet treats, which can be loaded with fat and calories. Look for low-fat varieties; or, break one treat into smaller pieces that you can dole out.

Portly Pooch?

If your dog is overweight, then start exercising him very slowly. Over time and with your veterinarian’s input, you can gradually increase the speed, duration and length of exercise. Use caution, as an obese dog should never exercise vigorously – doing so can put too much strain on his heart, bones and joints. Also, be sure you take frequent breaks for water and rest. Never exercise any pet during the heat of the day.

Exercising your Kitty

In the wild, cats run, roam and wrestle every day. They hunt for food and defend against other wild beasts. Housecats, however, have taken ‘domesticated’ to a completely new level. Many eat, sleep, eat some more and then take a catnap. That’s why indoor cats need many different toys and, ideally, a carpeted kitty tree for climbing. Stock up on a variety of toys to keep your kitty entertained, including faux-feather fishing poles; balls with bells in them; and fake-fur mice. If your kitty needs more physical activity, try moving his food bowl to different areas of the house, forcing him to "hunt" for supper by walking up and down stairs or from room to room in order to eat. If your kitty is obese, consult your veterinarian about starting him on a safe exercise plan so you don’t overstress is heart, bones or joints.