
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about the risks associated with this harmful illness. As pet owners, we do all that we can to ensure our pets live long, healthy lives, which should include discussing heartworm prevention with your veterinarian.
How Pets Contract Heartworms
Animals can be subject to heartworm whether they go outside or remain indoors, as this disease is spread by infected mosquitos who can easily come into contact with your pet inside and outside. Infected mosquitos spread heartworms when they bite your pet, releasing the heartworm larvae into your pet’s bloodstream, where they travel toward the heart to reproduce and mature.
Identifying Heartworm Disease In Your Pet
When a pet is infected with heartworms, they may not immediately display symptoms, making it tricky to detect without the help of an experienced veterinary professional. When the heartworms become more advanced, your pet may display signs, such as coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Cats may also vomit as a common symptom of heartworms.
It’s important to remember that while your pet may not show signs of heartworms, they still may be present. Therefore, regular visits to your local veterinarian are imperative to monitor the health of your pet.
The Effects of Heartworms
Heartworms may fall under the radar for extended periods of time, making it challenging to see that your pet is in distress. Once the animal begins to show symptoms, it’s typically late into their illness, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Heartworms attack your pet’s vital organs, resulting in several types of organ failure and even death when left unaddressed.
Treating Your Pets for Heartworm
Preventative heartworm treatment is non-negotiable when it comes to helping your pet remain healthy and out of harm’s way. There are several available treatments to choose from, such as topical ointments, oral tablets, and injectables that help your pet combat heartworms.
If your pet has already been infected by heartworms, early detection and treatment is important to ensure the success of the medications and full recovery. Treatment begins with an assessment using x-rays to determine the severity of the case, followed by a series of adulticide injections that help eliminate the heartworms within your pet’s body. While this treatment plan may be effective, it’s not a quick fix and can be expensive. Therefore, preventative treatment is crucial to your pet’s well-being.
Learn more about heartworm disease and how you can protect your beloved pets by contacting your local veterinarian to schedule an appointment today.