Heartworm disease is a problem in many parts of the continental U.S. and Hawaii where there is a large mosquito population, especially in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast marshes and in southern California. All dogs and cats living in a heavily populated mosquito area are at risk, whether they live indoors or out.

When an infected mosquito bites a healthy dog or cat, Heartworm larvae are deposited into the puncture wound. These larvae mature, and over the next few months, migrate to the heart and major blood vessels where they interfere with normal blood circulation. Heartworms grow to be about the size of spaghetti and the damage they cause to both the heart and the lungs can be potentially fatal.

The good news is that Hearworm disease can be prevented! There are medications that are effective in preventing Heartworm disease in uninfected dogs and cats. Your veterinarian will order a diagnostic blood test to assure no infection is present before beginning treatment, and may repeat the tests on a yearly or biennial basis depending on your pet's risk of infection. Working together with your veterinarian, you can help your pet live a long life free from Heartworm disease!

Please ask your veterinarian about Heartworm prevention today!