What if I forgot to give my dog heartworm medicine?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can affect dogs and other animals. It is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs. Heartworm disease is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Heartworm prevention medicine is essential for protecting your dog from heartworm disease. Most heartworm prevention medications are given once a month, but some are given every three months or every six months.
If you forget to give your dog heartworm medicine, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Here is what to do:
- Give your dog the missed dose immediately. If it has been less than two weeks since you missed the dose, your dog is likely still protected.
- Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. Your veterinarian will need to test your dog for heartworm disease to make sure that they are not infected.
- Follow your veterinarian’s instructions. Your veterinarian may recommend that you give your dog heartworm prevention medication more often for a period of time. They may also recommend other treatments, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
What are the risks of forgetting to give your dog heartworm medicine?
If you forget to give your dog heartworm medicine, your dog is at risk of developing heartworm disease. Heartworm disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Collapse
In severe cases, heartworm disease can be fatal.
How to prevent forgetting to give your dog heartworm medicine
There are a few things you can do to prevent forgetting to give your dog heartworm medicine:
- Set a reminder on your phone or calendar.
- Keep your dog’s heartworm prevention medication in a visible place.
- Give your dog heartworm prevention medication on the same day each month.
- Ask a friend or family member to remind you to give your dog heartworm medicine if you are forgetful.
If you have any questions or concerns about heartworm disease or heartworm prevention, talk to your veterinarian.