Have you ever seen a photo of a canine heart infested with heartworms? It is certainly a gruesome image that shows what could happen to your pet dog when the worms invade his heart.

It is important for pet owners to be aware of the risks of heartworm disease and should take precautions to protect their pets from the infection. A year round heartworm preventive program is the best way to protect dogs. While there is treatment for heartworms, it is not without risks.

Heartworm treatment is not a walk in the park for your dog. Once diagnosed, your veterinarian may recommend antibiotic medications, heartworm preventives, and steroids before the actual treatment for adult heartworms is started. The actual treatment regimen will take at least 60 days to complete. It involves administering a series of drug injections to kill the adult worms. Your Thousand Oaks, CA veterinarian can help you with your concerns and/or questions regarding heartworms, including its prevention and treatment. Read more here.