{"id":35523,"date":"2024-08-08T14:25:17","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T14:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=35523"},"modified":"2025-04-17T15:06:56","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:06:56","slug":"5-things-to-know-about-the-expanding-threat-of-parasitic-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/sponsored\/5-things-to-know-about-the-expanding-threat-of-parasitic-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Things to Know About the Expanding Threat of Parasitic Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterinarians play a crucial role in educating clients to help protect pets from heartworm disease, tick-borne illnesses, and more. Destiny Coleman, VMD, explains 5 things veterinarians should know about the expansion of heartworm disease cases and parasites such as fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms. To learn more, watch the VetFolio Vet2Vet conversation between Dr. Coleman and Cassi Fleming, MS, DVM, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard\u00ae PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets), below.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>\u2022<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>NexGardPLUSClinic.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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  1. Heartworm cases are trending upward across the U.S.<\/b><\/span>
    \nAccording to the American Heartworm Society\u2019s latest incidence map, heartworm infection rates are trending upward across the U.S. Increases are seen in traditional hotspot areas, such as the Mississippi Delta region, and in geographic areas where cases have historically been less prevalent, such as in Connecticut, Ohio, and Western states.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Multiple factors contribute to heartworm spread
    \n<\/b>Heartworm disease spread is a multi-factorial issue. Wildlife, such as coyotes, share mosquito populations with pets and serve as excellent reservoirs for the parasites. In addition, dogs are often transported or rehomed from areas of high heartworm incidence to areas of lower incidence. Poor compliance with heartworm disease prevention product administration rates present another contributing factor.<\/li>\n
  3. Ticks are expanding geographically
    \n<\/b>Ticks are expanding geographically due to numerous factors, including climatic conditions and host populations. This exposes more pets to the blood-sucking parasites.<\/li>\n
  4. Ticks are present year-round
    \n<\/b>Many pet owners think ticks are only a problem in the summer months, but ticks can be found actively questing any day the temperature rises above freezing. Veterinarians should stress to pet owners that, while their pets may not need protection every day, they need protection every month, making year-round protection critical.<\/li>\n
  5. NexGard<\/i> PLUS makes protection easy
    \n<\/b>NexGard<\/i> PLUS provides a safe and effective monthly protection option for dogs from fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms. The beef-flavored chews are tasty, making them easy for pet owners to give. Recommending year-round parasite protection is the best way to provide 4-quadrant coverage for your patients.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    NexGard<\/i> PLUS is for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive.<\/p>\n