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mplanted microchips (an electronic way to identify a pet), when combined with visible ID tags on a pet’s collar, have proved to be the most reliable system for the recovery of lost or stray companion animals. A microchip is small, about the size of a grain of rice and is inserted underneath the skin, usually between your pet’s shoulder blades. A microchip can be administered at any age and does not require surgery or anesthesia. A microchip contains a code that connects your pet to your personal details. If your pet is ever found and taken to a vet or animal shelter, they can use a scanner to check whether your pet has a microchip. If found, they can easily trace your details to make sure your pet gets back to you safe and sound. At Emancipet, microchips cost $20. Key Benefits of Pet Microchipping: » Provides an increased likelihood that you will be reunited with your pet in a safe and quick manner. » It’s a form of identification that is tamper-
your pet. The Importance and Benefits Heartworm Prevention and Testing Heartworm disease is a serious disease that causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the pet's health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone. Both dogs and cats can become infected with heartworm disease
or anytime there is a lapse in heartworm prevention. Dogs should be maintained on a regular, year-round and broad-spectrum parasite control program that includes prevention for fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites. The heartworm test is a single blood test that screens for heartworm disease.
MICROCHIPS + HEARTWORM
PREVENTION & TESTING Low Cost Services Offered At Emancipet
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proof. A microchip cannot be lost or removed, unlike collars and ID tags, which can fall off. It is recommended that all pets have both a microchip AND collars with ID tags, with the most up to date owner contact information. A microchip is biocompatible (compatible with living tissue or a living system by not being toxic or injurious), meaning that your pet’s body will not reject it. There is no need to replace the microchip – the microchip should last the duration of your pet’s lifetime. Provides security of your personal information. It is essential that you keep the microchip information up to date when you change your contact address/ phone number or transfer ownership of
byline Emancipet, emancipet.org
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but the disease is much more common in dogs. For this reason, heartworm prevention for dogs is by far the best option, and treatment, when needed, should be administered as early in the course of the disease as possible. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, so any area of the country that has mosquitoes (even just a few of them) can also have heartworm disease. It only takes ONE mosquito bite to infect your pet. As with most diseases, it is easier to prevent, than treat, an animal for heartworm disease. Typically, you should begin heartworm treatment in puppies around 6 to 8 weeks of age, although some heartworm preventatives are suitable for even younger dogs. Dogs should receive their first heartworm test at 6 months of age. They should be tested annually thereafter
At Emancipet, monthly heartworm prevention starts at $7/dose and heartworm tests cost $20 (with results in just 10 minutes). For additional information and pricing on low-cost services offered at Emancipet, please visit: emancipet.org/services.