Pet Care Tips - Heartworms

Heartworm is a parasite that invades the heart, shorten a dogs life and cause debilitating problems as it multiplies and grows. Heartworms are extremely prevalent in this are and CAP receives many dogs that are tested and found to be positive for heartworms. The treatment for heartworms can be very expensive so prevention is critical to a dogs health and longevity.

Dogs contract heartworms through the bite of an infected mosquito. It only takes one mosquito and one bite to infect a dog with the heartworm larvee.

There are several misconceptions about how and when dogs can contract heartworms. One misconception is that dogs cannot contract heartworms in the winter time. Unfortunately, because we live in the south, winters here do not get cold enough to completely kill off mosquitoes. Dogs in this area can contract heartworms any time of the year.

Another misconception is that dogs who live indoors cannot get heartworms. As mosquitoes are found everywhere, and all dogs go outside at some point, being an inside dog is not protection against  exposure to mosquitoes.

Heartworm preventative medication comes in easy to swallow, flavorful tablets that can be given daily or once a month depending on your choice. Make sure that you ask your veterinarian for more information about heartworms and prevention. This will help to ensure that your dog lives a long, healthy life.