One of my patients on Cardiology was a 3 year old rescued dog who had been previously diagnosed with Heartworm Disease. While the rescue organization and his new owners have done fabulously by this dog, it makes me sad that so many dogs still get heartworm disease.
Heartworm disease in dogs (and cats!) is preventable by the administration of one little pill a month. Or in the case of cats, a vial of liquid applied to their skin. Most of the time, the dogs even actually like the pill.
Here are some basic facts about heartworm disese that every pet owner should know:
-Heartworm disease is a preventable infection
-Dogs get heartworm disease from being bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae
-Cats are an atypical host for heartworm, but they can get it. And if you tell me your cat is an indoor cat, I have to ask if you've ever seen an outdor only mosquito. I haven't! I get bitten by mosquitoes inside buildings all the time!
-Heartworm preventative medications are much less expensive than treatment
-Heartworm infection can cause permanent changes to your dog's heart and lungs
-One of the most common signs of heartworm infection in cats is that they just drop dead
In conclusion, make sure your pets get heartworm prevention regularly!
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