Show Your Pet Some Love This February
The Heart of Preventive Care
February is the month of love, and while we’re celebrating the people closest to us, it’s also an ideal time to focus on the health and well-being of our pets. One of the most meaningful ways to show love to dogs and cats is through preventive care—care that protects them quietly and consistently, often before illness ever develops.
Heartworm Prevention: A Year-Round Priority in Coastal Georgia
In coastal Georgia, heartworm disease is a serious and ongoing risk. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can cause lasting damage to the heart and lungs and can be fatal if left untreated. Because mosquitoes are active for much of the year in our area, pets need year-round heartworm prevention, not just during the warmer months.
“Heartworm disease is far easier to prevent than to treat,” says Dr. Carla Case McCorvey of Case Veterinary Hospital. “We recommend year-round protection for all dogs—and appropriate prevention for cats as well—because once heartworms are present, treatment can be lengthy, expensive, and risky.”
For families who struggle to remember a monthly medication, ProHeart® 12 offers a convenient option. This veterinarian-administered injection provides 12 months of heartworm protection with a single dose. As with any preventive, pets must be tested annually and evaluated by a veterinarian to determine whether this option is appropriate.
Flea and Tick Protection: An Important Piece of the Puzzle
Fleas and ticks remain a concern year-round in our region and can cause more than just itching. They are capable of transmitting diseases and may lead to skin infections, allergic reactions, and discomfort for pets and people alike.
Long-acting flea and tick preventives are an important part of year-round protection. Bravecto® Quantum is a yearlong injectable flea and tick preventive, offering extended protection and helping improve consistency for busy households or pets that are difficult to medicate at home.
Your veterinarian can help determine which flea and tick prevention option—including injectable or at-home products—best fits your pet’s lifestyle and health needs.
Dental Health: Protecting More Than a Smile
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues seen in both dogs and cats. By three years of age, many pets already show signs of periodontal disease, which can lead to pain, tooth loss, and infections that affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Regular dental exams and professional cleanings, paired with at-home dental care, help prevent these complications and keep pets comfortable as they age. Persistent bad breath, difficulty chewing, or visible tartar are often signs that dental care is overdue.
Wellness Visits: Preventive Care That Adds Years
Routine wellness exams allow veterinarians to identify subtle changes in a pet’s health early—before those changes become serious problems. Weight shifts, early arthritis, skin conditions, and internal issues often progress quietly.
“Wellness visits aren’t just about vaccines,” Dr. McCorvey explains. “They’re an opportunity to look at the whole pet—nutrition, mobility, behavior, and overall comfort—and make adjustments that can truly extend and improve their lives.”
Love That Lasts a Lifetime
Our pets give us unconditional love every day. This February, returning that love through consistent preventive care is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. From heartworm prevention to flea and tick control, dental health, and routine wellness exams, small proactive steps today can mean many more healthy years together.
At Case Veterinary Hospital, we’re proud to serve the Skidaway community and to partner with families in keeping their pets healthy, comfortable, and thriving at every stage of life.
