April is heartworm awareness month, which is an important time to discuss the reality of heartworm disease and how it can be damaging to your pet’s well-being and health. As pet owners, we do what we can to keep our pet’s safe, happy, and healthy, and that should begin with heartworm prevention to avoid the effects of this deadly disease.
How Heartworm Disease Is Transmitted
Heartworm disease is carried by mosquitoes and is transmitted to your dog or cat when these infected mosquitos bite your pet. The mosquito hosts the larvae of the heartworm, which is then sent into your pet’s bloodstream when bitten. As these larvae develop they find their way into your pet’s heart or lungs, leading to the damaging effects of heartworm disease.
Identifying The Symptoms
Heartworm disease may not present any symptoms. In other cases, the symptoms may include fatigue, weight loss, coughing, or strenuous breathing. In cats, the symptoms vary slightly and include coughing, fatigue, and vomiting.
The Risks Of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious health hazard that can lead to long-lasting damage to your pet’s lungs and heart if not immediately addressed. In extreme cases, heartworm disease can result in heart failure and can become fatal. That’s why it’s always best to be preventative with treatment, and invest in one of several FDA-approved medications to combat the occurrence of heart disease in your pet. These medications can be found as chewable tablets, topical treatments, and even injections.
Treating Heartworm Disease
If you adopt an animal with pre-existing heartworm disease, or discover your pet has contracted the illness, it’s imperative to act fast and begin treatment to prevent the unfortunate outcomes of this disease. Treatment for heartworm involves a series of injections that work to eliminate the adult worms within your pet’s heart and lungs. The treatment can be harsh on pets, especially those with advanced heartworm disease. Therefore, proper monitoring and veterinary follow-ups are a must.
For more information about preventing heartworm disease, or to schedule an appointment for your pet, contact your trusted veterinarian today.