Flea, Tick & Heartworm Prevention

Want Those Fleas to Flee?

We offer affordable flea/tick/heartworm* preventative medicines for purchase at Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s Clinic and Shelter. *A Heartworm test must be done at the HSTB Clinic prior to purchasing heartworm prevention.

What is Heartworm?

Heartworms are among the most dangerous parasitic worms that infect dogs. The disease is passed from infected dogs to other dogs by mosquitos. The disease is spread when a mosquito, previously infected by biting an infected dog, bites a dog and deposits tiny immature heartworms, called larvae, near the bite wound. Then the larvae enter the wound and migrate beneath the skin, eventually reaching the hearts and lungs. These worms can grow up to 12 inches. Heartworm disease is debilitating and may prove fatal.

Treatment

Dogs receive a series of arsenic-based shots to kill the worms and must be kept quiet for 6-8 weeks. Our Wellness Clinic does treat for heartworm disease. If your dog is under 40 pounds the cost is $450.00. Over 40 pounds is $650.00.

Prevention

You must have a blood test before you buy prevention. We keep our prices low so everyone can afford to protect their dog. The cost for a heartworm test is $15.00. The cost for Tri-Heart Plus is just $37.00 for a 6 month supply if your dog weighs between 51-100 pounds. That is only $6.17 per month to keep your dog safe from this terrible disease. We also offer other prevention products such as Advantage Multi and Trifexis which cost more. Click Here for a complete price list.

Heartworm Life Cycle:

1. A mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests tiny heartworkm larvae along with the animal’s blood. Other carriers of heartworm disease include wolves, foxes, ferrets, coyotes, & raccoons.

2. Inside the mosquito, these larvae develop into their infective stage.

3. When the same mosquito bites another dog, the larvae infect the healthy animal.

4. Without a monthly dose of preventative, the larvae continue to develop inside the dog, eventually reaching the heart and lungs.

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Happy Tails # 181

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Hi, All! Charlie, here! I hope you guys still remember me. I spent a few months with you earlier this year. I’m sending a new picture of me, but you might not recognize me now that all my hair’s grown back. When I left, my fur was shaved because it was so matted from being at that “other place” before you found me. I get brushed all the time now and I really like it when people tell me how pretty I am. I’m looking forward to Christmas – we have a tree and the presents under it look like they’d be pretty fun to tear into…oops, I meant help unwrap! Anyway, I just wanted to get back in touch to say I’m a pretty happy guy these days and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I hope the new year brings forever homes to all the cats and dogs in shelters everywhere. Your friend, Charlie.

~Submitted by Paul Behrens and Elaine Potusky!

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