Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and it is a debilitating, painful and potentially fatal disease that affects thousands of dogs each year. Heartworm disease in dogs is quite common in most Australian states. However, because heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, it is becoming more common in all other states of Australia. It is usual for dogs not on heartworm preventative treatments to become infected by heartworm during their life span.

Most dog owners do not realise their pet has a problem until the disease is well advanced. It is only in the later stages, when the disease is difficult to treat, that the animals manifest the typical signs of advanced heartworm disease, such as a soft, deep cough, weight loss, listlessness and weakness. Other symptoms may include a lack of appetite, shortness of breath and blood in the urine.

While heartworm is an extremely difficult disease to treat, it is very simple to prevent with EXELPET^®.

NOTE:

• Puppies under six weeks of age should not be treated for heartworm.
• Puppies over six weeks of age can be started on a monthly heartworm treatment at any time up until six months of age.
• Puppies over six months of age, and not currently on a heartworm prevention product, should be examined by a vet before any heartworm treatment is administered.