As spring arrives in Maryland and the weather heats up, so do the mosquitos, and with them comes the potential for heartworm disease in our pets. At Old Farm Veterinary Hospital we want every pet owner to realize how serious this condition can be, and most importantly, how easily it can be prevented.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm or heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of infected pets. It is primarily spread by mosquito bites. Pets in Maryland are at risk, as our climate encourages a long mosquito season. Dogs are the primary – and most susceptible – hosts for heartworms. Cats and ferrets can also be infected, but they are not considered definitive hosts for the heartworm.
The Risk of Waiting Longer for Prevention
One of the most difficult aspects of heartworm disease is that pets often don’t show signs of it until the disease has progressed significantly. In dogs, symptoms include coughing, fatigue, weight loss and difficulty breathing. Signs may be more subtle or clinically indistinguishable from other causes in cats, and sudden collapse or death may occur.
Heartworm disease is costly and takes time to treat, and the cure can be taxing on your pet’s health. For dogs, treatment consists of an initial series of injections, and strict activity limitations in addition to close monitoring. Due to the lack of approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, prevention becomes ever more important.
Prevention Is Easy and Proven
The good news is that with year-round protection heartworm disease is almost 100% preventable. Monthly preventives - be they chewable tablets, topical applications or injections – are inexpensive, safe and easy to administer. Not only do these medicines prevent heartworms, but they also often fully protect them from other parasites like fleas and ticks and worms in the intestines.
Your pet should be on a regular heartworm testing plan and a consistent prevention protocol that makes sense for your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle. Even indoor pets need protection, because mosquitoes often get into homes.
We’re Here to Help
The team at Old Farm is dedicated to the health and happiness of your pet in each and every season. If you’re unsure if your pet is adequately protected, or if you need assistance picking out the best preventive, we can help. Make an appointment today to discuss heartworm prevention, or to begin putting your pet on an safe, effective prevention plan. It’s very easy to make sure you keep your furry family members heartworm-free year-round with minimal effort. For the best protection, prevention is key - call or visit Old Farm Veterinary Hospital in Frederick, MD.
