Most family pets are considered just that: family. A recent poll conducted by PetFinder.com found that more than 60% of dog owners give their pets Christmas presents. This is a great indicator of how fondly pets are looked upon within families. With that love comes a great deal of responsibility, especially when it comes to their health.

While they are a great addition to a family, they are also natural hosts for heartworm. The worm is transferred by mosquitoes, starting as larvae before they grow and multiply. They pose a serious risk to dog and can be fatal if left untreated.

Canine heartworm antigen preventative medicine acts as a barrier between a potentially fatal invasion of their body by heartworms. While these medicines don’t prevent the heartworm larvae from being passed to dogs by mosquitoes, it will kill larvae at different stages of existence. So if your family pet is infected, the medicine will keep the worms from becoming a health risk to them.

If your dog is one of the 1 million to be found positive for heartworm each year, there is treatment available. While preventative won’t help with worms that are already developed, qualified vets can attempt to kill the worms. While lifesaving, the treatment can cost up to $1,000. The hefty price tag of such treatment is a big selling point for canine heartworm preventative antigen.

There are many different types and brands of preventative medicine so it’s important to consult with your dog’s vet before making a decision. The age and health of your pet may restrict the choices available to you.

If you haven’t in the past year, it’s imperative to get your dog checked for heartworm. With the help of a heartworm antigen test kit and a veterinary laboratory, you can find out whether or not your dog is in need of medical help.

Do you use canine heartworm antigen preventative medication for your dog or cat? Sound off in the comments below!