Meet Jack!
Say hello to Jack, our lovable 8-year-old Australian Cattle Dog mix with the spirit of a much younger pup! He came to us through a shelter pull alongside three other dogs, and while he may be considered a senior, Jack still has plenty of energy to keep up with an active home.
Active & Full of Life
Don't let his age fool you—Jack still loves to stay active, explore, and enjoy his daily adventures. He's the perfect mix of playful and easygoing.
Loves Attention
Jack absolutely adores people and thrives on attention. Whether it's pets, praise, or just being near his humans, he's happiest when he's loved on.
Health Update & Heartworm Care
Jack is up to date on all vaccines. He did test positive for heartworm, but we are currently running a confirmation test since no microfilariae were detected in his initial results.
What are microfilariae?
Microfilariae are tiny, immature heartworms that circulate in the bloodstream. They are essentially the “baby” stage of heartworms. When present, they indicate that adult heartworms are actively reproducing in the heart and lungs.
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, where they can grow and multiply. Over time, they can cause serious damage to the heart, restrict blood flow, and lead to lung disease, heart failure, and even death if left untreated.
Why prevention matters
Heartworm disease is completely preventable with routine monthly preventatives. Without it, pets are at risk every time they're exposed to mosquitoes—even indoor pets.
Treatment Options
Because no microfilariae were found, we are doing further testing to confirm his diagnosis before deciding on the best treatment route:
Injection (Fast-Kill Treatment):
This is the standard treatment using a series of injections that kill adult heartworms more quickly. It requires strict rest and monitoring but is the most direct and commonly recommended method.
Slow-Kill Method:
This approach uses monthly heartworm prevention and sometimes antibiotics over time to gradually eliminate the worms. It's less aggressive but takes much longer and requires careful management.
The final treatment plan for Jack will depend on the confirmation test results, and we will choose the safest and most effective option for him.
A Loving Companion in the Making
Jack is a sweet, resilient boy who is ready to find a family to stand by him through his treatment and beyond. In return, he'll give you endless love, loyalty, and companionship.
Come meet Jack and be part of his journey!
