Dogs and Cats: Heartworms

Heartworm infections can be difficult to treat and are sometimes fatal. The good news is that you can prevent it from happening to your pet.

Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and can migrate to the heart, lungs and the blood vessels near these vital organs within two to three months. The larva complete their migration in six months, ending in the actual heart chamber. The most common symptoms of heartworm infection are coughing, sluggishness and labored breathing. Left untreated, heartworm can lead to heart and lung failure, kidney and liver damage, and eventual death. And yes, all it takes is the bite of just one infected mosquito.

The infection may be present for several months before clinical signs appear, so annual blood testing is important. Should heartworm be present, the ASPCA recommends that treatment begin as early as possible in the course of the disease.

The smart route to travel is one of prevention. Your dog should be given a blood test for heartworm every year in the early spring. If the blood test is

 negative, your pet may be prescribed a preventive tablet to be given once a month throughout mosquito season, from early spring up until the first frost. Some veterinarians may recommend the medication year-round, as it also controls many common intestinal worms. Heartworm prevention is as easy as that-but it must be done regularly every year to ensure continued protection.

Although dogs are natural hosts for heartworm, cats can also contract this disease.Pets living anywhere throughout the United States can contract heartworm, but the disease is more prevalent in warmer areas where there are greater numbers of mosquitoes. Heartworm infections have also been seen in wild animals such as wolves and fox. These animals tend to have milder infections. In hot, humid areas where this disease is more prevalent, cats may be put on preventive medication as well.

With routine testing and once-a-month tablets during mosquito season, you can offer your animal companion complete protection against heartworm infection.

Ani-Med Pet Care Information:  http://www.animed.org/dogs_and_cats_hea rtworms.htm