With the heavy amount of mosquitoes, we would like to remind everyone that even though we feel them more right now, mosquitoes and heartworm are a year-round concern.
According to the American Heartworm Society:
All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection, and this can usually be done during a routine visit for preventive care. Following are guidelines on testing and timing:
• Puppies under 7 months of age can be started on heartworm prevention without a heartworm test (it takes at least 6 months for a dog to test positive after it has been infected), BUT should be tested 6 months after your initial visit, tested again 6 months later and yearly after that to ensure they are heartworm-free.
• Adult dogs over 7 months of age and previously not on a preventive need to be tested prior to starting heartworm prevention. They, too, need to be tested 6 months and 12 months later and annually after that.
• You need to consult your veterinarian, and immediately re-start your dog on monthly preventive—then retest your dog 6 months later. The reason for re-testing is that heartworms must be approximately 7 months old before the infection can be diagnosed.
Annual testing is necessary, even when dogs are on heartworm prevention year-round, to ensure that the prevention program is working. Heartworm medications are highly effective, but dogs can still become infected. If you miss just one dose of a monthly medication—or give it late—it can leave your dog unprotected. Even if you give the medication as recommended, your dog may spit out or vomit a heartworm pill—or rub off a topical medication. Heartworm preventives are highly effective, but not 100 percent effective. If you don’t get your dog tested, you won’t know your dog needs treatment.
Jasper’s Utila Animal Shelter has tests available at cost price and our staff can help you with the proper prevention program for your pet.
How will you know that a cat is dehydrated? You know how cats lick themselves clean. If they look dirty and scruffy, they are unable to lick themselves because they do not have any saliva due to dehydration. Save lives by leaving a bowl of water for animals in need.
Meet Sky 💙 and peep the lil tail wags 🥰
Sky is one of our youngest pups at the shelter at a year old. He's full of love and energy, but is also quite smart and learns commands quickly. If you're looking for a younger dog he will make a perfect addition to your home 🖤
Like most of our dogs, he had a rough start to life but it hasn't affected his cheerful disposition.
If you're looking to adopt, foster or sponsor a dog friend look no further than this handsome boy.
Donate now to supportutila.org/jaspers (link in bio)
Taco is a boy full of love. He wants ALL of the pets whenever people are there to give him love.
Taco was surrendered to the shelter when his old owner's didn't want him anymore, he was so sick and so shy. We are amazed to see his progress.
This holiday season, consider adopting a shelter dog and saving two lives in the process. We have many animals who deserve loving homes, like Taco. And nothing makes us happier than when they get their happily ever after.
If you want to adopt a dog or cat, get in touch with us, we'd love to pair you with the right fit.
