0 Heartworm Prevention: Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

Heartworm Prevention: Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

I was greeted by this headline online:  “My dog has a seriously expensive medical condition, but I would never consider abandoning him because of it.”

Her dog tested positive for heartworm and I understand how expensive it is. Bless her for pushing with the treatment and not abandoning her fur baby!

I wish I can reach out to as many as possible pet parents to let you know that Heartworm is Preventable.  Prevention is cheaper than going through the treatment, plus it is less agonizing for your dog.

In this series of articles on Heartworm In The Philippines, I will share the simplest and most affordable mode of prevention.  But first allow me to describe what your fur baby will go through when he is tested positive for heartworm.

Stages of Heartworm Disease In The Philippines

Dogs diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 of Heartworm disease may have slow heartbeat, fever, dry cough, feel listless and congested lungs.  Once diagnosed, he undergoes full treatment to get rid of adult heartworms.

Read on my blog about the symptoms in order to check if your dog has heartworm.

If your pet dog is diagnosed with Stage 3 to 5, it means his heart and pulmonary arteries are “loaded” with heartworms and a more immediate treatment is prescribed.

Stage 5 Heartworm Disease

One pet owner with infested dog described Day 1 of the treatment.  

“He slept all day and yelped in pain when he tried to move.  The first few weeks were a blur of coughing, vomiting and diarrhea (those dead worms have to leave his body somehow).”

Next treatments will be painful, as well.  He will not be allowed to run around or even walk fast during the treatment weeks. If he gets excited, the blood pumping through his arteries could force the decomposing worm parts into a logjam, block his arteries and cause a stroke or embolism.

At this stage, pet parents would often feel guilty for not doing enough for their dogs.  They would blame themselves.

Let me tell you this, It’s Not You, it’s the infested mosquito who did it!  So quit blaming yourself and start thinking PREVENTION!  Read how my friend learned this painful lesson here:  Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating

Heartworm Prevention In The Philippines:  What You Can Do

Here at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital, heartworm prevention starts with 3 simple steps:

1. Have your dog undergo heartworm testing once a year.
   Annual heartworm testing followed by preventive medication is recommended to keep your dog free of heartworm disease.
2. For your peace of mind, consider having a yearly heartworm injection.  For busy pet parents, Vets recommend Proheart 12.
   Once a year injection eliminates the need to remember monthly heartworm tablets and it can safely be combined with your pet’s vaccination or annual check-up.
   Best of all, the injection is quick vs. the agony of forcing the chewable treatment every month!
3. Start early with your heartworm prevention!
   Mosquitoes are prevalent in the Philippines and remember, it only takes ONE Mosquito Bite to result to Heartworm.  Start early! Proheart 12 can be given to puppies as young as 6 months old.

For pet parents who still need a little convincing, for the first time, I’ll reveal the costs involved on prevention vs. cure.

Heartworm preventive starts at P1,350 for dogs weighing up to 5 kilos

If you are serious about PREVENTION, there’s ONE LAST STEP that you need to do:  Call Ms. Mylez @ 896-2860 and ask about the Heartworm Test.  More importantly, ask about Proheart SR-12 Prevention.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S.  Heartworm Prevention is Cheaper Vs. Treatment.  Call Ms. Mylez @ 896-2860 and ask about Proheart 12.

If you want to educate yourself about Heartworm In The Philippines, here are your MUST READ articles:

Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworms And What You Can Do About It

0 Heartworm Symptoms in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Pet Dog Has Heartworm?

Heartworm Symptoms in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Pet Dog Has Heartworm?

It only takes 1 bite from an infected mosquito for your pet dog to have heartworm.  Now,  you live in a tropical country, like the Philippines, where mosquitoes thrive. Could it be that you pet dog have heartworm?

Does your pet dog have heartworm? Time for you to find out.

Does your pet dog …

Have dry cough?

Get tired easily?

Experience difficulty in breathing?

Watch out!  Your pet dog may be displaying some of the most common tell-tale warning signs of heartworm infection! These thin, innocent looking white worms infect one of the most important organs in the body: the heart.

Do you live in a place where mosquitos are prevalent? Then you have to watch out for these 3 symptoms of heartworm infection in your dogs:

Heartworm Symptom #1: Your Dog Has Dry Cough

The presence of parasites in your dog’s body causes coughing. The coughing is mild and your dog may appear to look normal.

If you observe your dog, the soft cough will be more noticeable after an exercise or any physical activity.

Please take note that at this stage, heartworms may not yet reach adult stage.  So even if you bring your dog to the vet for a blood test, his test result will most likely be negative.

Heartworm Symptom #2: Your Dog Gets Easily Gets Tired

As the heartworms progress in their development in your dog’s body, you will see that the dog easily gets tired. Even after the usual walk or exercise, your dog may seem exhausted. It may even come to a point that your dog will refuse to do much of the physical activity.

This should be an indication that the heartworms are furthering their infection. If you bring your pet to the vet, blood tests should detect the heartworms.

Heartworm Symptom #3: Your Dog Experiences Difficulty in Breathing

When the heartworms are affecting the lungs and the surrounding veins, your dog will have trouble breathing. At this stage, there is possibility of fluid building around the blood vessels in the lungs. Blood oxygenation will be difficult for the lungs to do.

Coughing and fatigue will get worse. Heartworms have grown and can easily be seen with an X-ray.

Other Heartworm Symptoms

Heartworm, if not treated, will continue to damage the dog’s organs. Other heartworm symptoms that your dog will have in the last stage of heartworm infection are weight loss, bulging chest, and lameness.

If your dog is experiencing these last three symptoms in addition to the first three, this tells you that the heartworm has peaked into adulthood.

It is during this time that the heartworms spread into the heart and bloodstream. Then they block the flow of blood. Your dog will have episodes of collapsing. As the parasites move to the dog’s brain this will result to blindness, lameness and seizures. This can be fatal to your dog.

NEVER treat your dog on your own. Treating your dog by yourself will most likely worsen the heartworm infestation. Always consult your veterinarian.

Here are 3 ACTION POINTS for Pet Parents:  

1. Talk to your pet’s vet about yearly heartworm tests

2. Consult your Vet about the best and hassle free preventive

3. Ask your Vet about ProHeart SR-12

ProHeart SR-12 is an injectible that can be given once a year to protect your dog’s heart and lungs from heartworm.  This is designed to smart and busy pet lovers like you.

In my previous post, I compared the cost of heartworm prevention vs. treatment.  If you are curious how much it will cost you if your pet dog will not have ProHeart SR-12 now, watch out for my next blog post!  

Now, if you are really serious about protecting your pet dog from heartworm and enjoying peace of mind, call Ms. Mylez at 896-2860 Now!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

For responsible pet parents who want to see how heartworm look inside the body of your pet dog, head over my post:  Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating 

Here’s our series of articles on heartworm in the Philippines:

Heartworm and A Warning:  Do Not Read While Eating
Heartworm in the Philippines:  How Do You Know If Your Dog Has Heartworm?
Humans and Heartworm Health

Coming Next:  Whose Fault When Your Dog Has Heartworm And What You Can Do About It

0 Heartworm Philippines: Warning!  Do Not Read While Eating

Heartworm Philippines

It’s the start of “ber” months, there’s more “walang pasok” announcements, and finally we are experiencing the rain … and flood!

We all know that the combination of rain, flood, and stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.  But did you know that just ONE MOSQUITO BITE can lead to  this …

Whoa!  How can one mosquito bite can lead to these white 12-inch strings?
I hope you are not eating but you’ve been warned!  Let’s take a closer look …

These seemingly harmless white threads are actually parasitic worms!

These seemingly harmless white thin threads are actually round parasitic worms that can be found inside the heart and lungs of infected dogs.

Wikipedia describes these as:

“Dirofilaria immitis, the heartworm or dog heartworm, is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes … Adults reside in the pulmonary arterial system (lung arteries), as well as the heart … Heartworm infection may result in serious disease for the host, with death typically as the result of congestive heart failure.

Heartworm Philippines: What You Can Do

I’m a Veterinarian and a Parasitologist. I have a special interest on heartworm.   As an expert Parasitologist, I am conducting lectures on heartworm detection and prevention to Veterinarians all over the Philippines.

In the US, 50 states have been diagnosed with heartworm. Here in the Philippines, we started The Philippine Canine Heartworm Mapping Project.  

After reading this email, you may take a moment to show your support by simply visiting and liking our Facebook Page:  The Philippine Canine Heartworm Mapping Project

When you visit our Facebook Page: The Philippine Canine Heartworm Mapping Project, you might see your favorite Vets submitting blood samples for the Philippine Canine Heartworm Mapping Project.

We encourage veterinarians to send blood samples and base on these, we can determine the extent of presence of Heartworm in the Philippines.

With heartworm as one of the deadliest silent killers of dogs, we have to be vigilant in its treatment and control.

Heartworm Philippines: One Of The Deadliest Silent Killers of  Pet Dogs

As the incidence of heartworm in the Philippines grows, I have decided to write a series of articles aimed at equipping responsible parents like you with the right information and best mode of prevention for your pet dog.

Please watch out for my next emails on heartworm in the Philippines.

Before I end this email, allow me to share what your Vets actually see inside the heart and pulmonary arteries of a pet dog who is severely infested with heartworm …

This is one photo that I personally took when my friend’s dog died after testing positive with heartworm.  The death of their beloved pet devastated their family.

So, please educate yourself.  Watch out for my next emails on heartworm in the Philippines and what you can do to prevent it.

My friend learned one painful lesson:  it only takes ONE BITE from an infected mosquito to spread heartworm in your beloved pet dogs.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

Photo sources:

http://www.animalcafe.co/
http://www.ascaris.medicnew.com/images/114a19.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirofilaria_immitis
http://countrysideanimalhospitaldeland.com

0 Can My Dog Get Dengue?

Does this mean that my dog has Dengue?

I noticed that my dog has small reddish dots scattered in several parts of his body. When I brought my pet to the Veterinarian, the Doctor said that my dog has a low platelet count.

Let us start from the most basic.

Dengue as we know it is transmitted by mosquito-bite.

With dogs, the most common infection they get from mosquitoes is heartworm disease.

Most of the time, when our dogs get this small reddish dots or spots scattered or confined in some parts of their body, with low platelet, the most common disease that we diagnose is Ehrlichiosis, caused by Ehrlichia sp. (pronounced as Ehr-lee-kia).

For the familiarity of disease, let us call it Ehrlichia in our discussion. The effect of this disease is dengue-like for our dogs. Our pooch could have haemorrhage around the body, in the form of tiny red dots or sometimes bruises.

In other cases they could have nose-bleeding or small wound eruptions on the skin. But the most common signs that owners observe are weakness, loss of appetite (even with their favorite meal!).

There are a number of dogs with a lot of eye secretion aka ‘muta’. If you check their gums and the inside of their ears, you could see that it’s relatively pale from the original pinkish color.

All these signs are brought about by low red blood cell count and its components, low platelet and most of the time high white blood cell count.

How did my dog get it if you mentioned that it’s not transmitted by mosquitoes?

The main culprit in spreading Ehrlichia is TICKS. In Filipino we call them “Garapata” and in Cebuano we call “libon”.

These are the spider-looking 8-legged lazy parasites that we always see sucking on our pets, and yes they look like they are asleep most of the time when they are on our dogs.

These ticks either look like maroon and thin (male) coupled with a fat, gray and big female engorged with blood. Don’t be fooled by the lazy character of these parasites, ticks are very fast crawlers and they know how to find their host (dog).

It means that our dog can get ticks even if there is no direct contact with other dogs. It only takes one tick bite to transmit Ehrlichia. It is also very possible that our dog could have gotten the disease way before they start showing clinical signs.

What are the clinical signs of Ehrlichiosis?

Aside from the common clinical signs already mentioned, some dogs may show the-not-so-common clinical signs like blindness, neurologic signs like seizure and lameness (trouble walking).

So far, we have noticed quite a number of Golden Retrievers having seizures when they turn positive for Ehrlichia. Other dogs could have liver and or kidney failure. And some they could have pregnant-looking tummies, we call ascites, because of enlarged spleen or there is abnormal fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

In short, Ehrlichia may show a lot of different clinical signs, depending on the organ system it affects. German shepherd needs extra attention if they turn positive for this disease because the effect to them is worse than any other breed, and may be fatal.

How can this be diagnosed?

Once we notice at least one of the clinical signs, and with history of ticks, normally I check the Complete blood count (CBC). If there is something wrong with the CBC then I would recommend the Ehrlichia Antibody test kit.

If the condition is worst, then more complete blood test are recommended to check for liver, kidney and electrolytes.

Can my dog be treated once he gets this disease?

Yes! If your dog has acute or newly acquired Ehrlichia it is highly treatable.

In fact, for acute cases of this disease, the dog gets better after a day or 2 of treatment.

Don’t get me wrong, the treatment of this disease is not short at all. It could last from few weeks to months to years.

For chronic (long-term) phase of the disease though, the chances of recovery is relatively slim.

If I get bitten by a tick, can I also get this Ehrlichia?

So far, there are no reported cases of Ehrlichia from dogs transmitted to humans (yet!) in the Philippines.

BUT there are reported cases of this disease transferred by ticks to humans in the country of Venezuela, South America.

Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

How can we prevent the spread of this disease?

This is a serious problem that affects a great population of dogs.

It’s complicated because it circulates with the blood, then affecting most of the organ systems. Early prevention will help eliminate this problem.

Get rid of the ticks to get rid of the disease!

There are monthly tick and flea preventatives that we can use for our dogs.

Also, don’t forget to clean the surroundings where your dog normally stays, by brushing.

These ticks can hide in cracks and crevices for 6 months up to a year-and a-half without feeding. Once hungry they will attach back to their host and the cycle repeats again.

For more questions, visit:
animalwellnessveterinary.com or

Facebook:
Animal Wellness Veterinary Hospital
Ivy Alvarez, DVM

0 Do Dogs Get Dengue Fever?

If pet owners like you can get dengue, do dogs get dengue fever?

Does your dog have:
1. Small reddish dots or small wound eruptions on his skin?
2. Blood in his nostrils?
3. Has eye secretions?
4. No appetite and appears weak?
5. Pale gums and ears when you check inside?

If you say Yes to all these symptoms, it’s time to visit your Vet ASAP!

These 5 symptoms can be indicators of low platelet count, which we humans often relate to dengue.

Before you panic, READ THIS: your dog cannot get dengue fever.

These dengue-like symptoms in your pet dog can be an indication that he is positive for Ehrlichia (pronounced as Ehr-lee-kia).

When ignored, Ehrlichia can lead to blindness and exhibit neurologic signs like seizure and lameness (trouble walking).

How can you best prevent the dengue-like symptoms of Ehrlichia?

The best way to prevent this is to have your pet dog tested for Ehrlichia. Ask your Vet about the Ehrlichia Antibody Test Kit.

Since we are now in the rainy season where incidence of dengue peaks for humans, we were able to get a good deal on our Ehrlichia Antibody Test Kit.

You can have your pet dog tested for Ehrlichia at 50% OFF.
We got a good deal from our supplier and we would like to pass this great deal to responsible pet owners like you.

10 pcs. Of Ehrlichia Antibody Test Kit is now at 50% OFF

Pls. Call Ms. Mylez at 896-2860

Have your pet dog tested early and prevent the dengue-like symptoms of Ehrlichia!

0 Hi Doc, When Your Pet Dogs Have GARAPATA, What Do You Do?

Hi Doc, When Your Pet Dogs Have GARAPATA, What Do You Do?

Hello Responsible Pet Parent,

Kumusta ang iyong pet dog and cat?  Hope they are doing great

Well, it’s not so great for one pet owner and she asked me one smart question:

“Hi Doc, when your pet dogs have garapata, what do you do? “

Smart question right?

——-

Your Smart Question Deserves An Honest Answer

I have 2 pets.  I have Baldo, my French Bulldog and Pipay, a rescued cat.

And Yes! They had those blood-sucking parasites that can lead to life-threatening diseases.

We tried all sorts of soaps, shampoos, sea-bathing until we finally discovered the 2 best products that solved our fleas and ticks infestation.

I’m going to share one tip today on how you can finally get rid of fleas and ticks on your pet and at home… FAST!

Solve Your Garapata Problems Within 24 Hours

Now, you can solve your garapata problems within 24 Hours with Frontline.  Frontline kills adult fleas, ticks, flea eggs and larvae – in short, it breaks the life cycle of fleas.  It’s effect can last up to 30 days.

Frontline comes in 2 forms:  the Spot On treatment, which you apply directly on your dog’s skin, and the Spray for your home for complete eradication of infestation.

DOCTOR’S TIP:  Since you apply this treatment on the skin, Frontline is safe for your puppies (2 days old and onwards), breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs.

5 Steps: How To Use Frontline Effectively

1. Get the right dosage according to the size of your pet.
2. Target the best location to apply frontline.  TIP:  Best spot is in between the shoulders, where your pet cannot lick it.
3. Part your dog’s hair between the shoulder blades. Place the applicator tip just above the skin and squeeze.
4. Apply entire contents of the applicator in a single spot directly onto the animal’s skin. Never apply on top of the haircoat.
5. Allow the treatment to stay for 48 hours for maximum effectiveness.

Part of the treatment is to get rid of fleas and ticks lurking in your home and in the areas where your pets sleep, stay, and play.  This is where Frontline Spray is best used.

Where To Buy Frontline

Lucky for pet owners like you, you now have access to the best solution to combat fleas and ticks infestation.

Get Frontline In LAZADA.  If you previously ordered from LAZADA [who doesn’t?], this is your hassle-free option, and you’ll have it delivered right at your doorstep.

Click Here:  

Get Frontline for CATS In Lazada

Get Frontline for DOGS In Lazada

Now, you have the easiest way to get rid of your furry baby’s garapata.

So head over to Lazada.ph now and avail of Frontline:
Get Frontline for CATS In Lazada

Get Frontline for DOGS In Lazada

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM

Pet Happiness Expert

Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Pet Parent

0 Should Rabies Vaccination Be Given To Your Pet Annually?

Should Rabies Vaccination Be Given To Your Pet Annually?

Many are wondering if rabies vaccination should be given annually to their pets.

Wonder no more. The short answer is Yes. Rabies vaccination in the Philippines should be given to your pets annually. This is not only a must but it is the law.

You may ask why other countries have 3 year vaccination validity. Why not in the Philippines too?

For now the Philippines has a high risk in Rabies cases. It is important then that pet owners schedule Rabies vaccination yearly for their pets.

Learn More About Rabies Vaccination at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

“The St. Luke’s of Pet Hospitals” – from a Happy Client

P.S.   Enjoy our LIMITED OFFER this June on Pet Boarding.   Book an overnight stay or 2 nights or more and your fur baby’s 1st night is on us — FREE!

Travel worry free and have a home for your pet

CALL NOW @ 896-2860 and Look for Ms. Mylez

0 Canine Distemper Virus: Quick Fact Sheet

Canine Distemper Virus or CDV is a highly contagious and dangerous viral disease that can affect your dog.

How is Canine Distemper Virus Transmitted?
This virus can be transferred to another dog through urine or feces of an infected dog. But this virus is airborne which means the viral particles can be breathed in by your pet.

Symptoms of Canine Distemper Virus
On the early stage of the canine distemper, the dog will have high fever. Along with this fever, reddened eye and discharge from the nose and eyes are also present.

An infected dog will be usually tired and lethargic. This will make your dog lose appetite. The dog may also have continuous cough and diarrhea. Later on the virus will attack the nervous system of the dog. This will result into seizures, fits, paralysis and hysteria attacks.

A certain strain of this virus may cause thickening of the feet of the dog or unusual enlargement.

Diagnosis and Giving Care
To diagnose a dog with distemper is difficult. This is because there is no specific test that will tell if the dog is having distemper or not. What the veterinarian may do is still conduct some tests that will confirm the diagnosis.

If your dog has canine distemper, the best thing to provide is supportive care. This means that your dog will need IV fluids, anti-seizure, anti-diarrhea, anti-vomiting medications. Antibiotics may also be given for secondary bacterial infections.

Dogs with canine distemper should be isolated from other dogs. And should remain separated at least two weeks after they have ceased showing clinical signs of distemper.

Prevention of Canine Distemper Virus
As the actual cause of the distemper virus is not determined, it is observed that it can be prevented when your dog is vaccinated. It is recommended that a distemper shot be given to a puppy starting at 6 to 8 weeks old. A series of shots should be given every 4 weeks after until the puppy is 20 weeks old.

Learn more about Canine Distemper Virus at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Call Ms. Mylez to schedule your Distemper Vaccination at 896-2860 today!

Give the best care for your pet at Makati Dog and Cat Hospital!

0 Ticks 101: 8 Basic Tick Facts That Every Responsible Pet Owner Like You Should Know About

Ticks 101

1) The tick found in dogs in the Philippines is Rhipicephalus sanguineus. In tagalog, garapata.

Ticks will not only bite your dog, but will they also bite you.

2) They love hot weather = summer.

3) They may cause your dog to scratch, be itchy and develop skin disease.

4) They are carriers of dangerous dog diseases like: Ehrlichia Canis (dog dengue) and Babesiosis.

5) The species of ticks in other countries have toxins in their saliva which may cause tick paralysis.

6) The bite of ticks are irritating. May be painful and can cause inflammation. Secondary bacterial infection may lead to skin disease.

7) Lyme disease is painful condition in humans which is difficult to treat. It is transmitted by tick bites.

8) Visit your veterinarian on how to treat and prevent tick infestation of your dog and your house. It may be as easy as using spot on medications.

by: Sixto S. Carlos, DVM, MS

Makati Dog & Cat Hospital

0 God will watch over you night and day