National Heartworm Awareness Month
National Heartworm Awareness Month
April is National Heartworm Awareness Month. The American Heartworm Society, established in 1974, holds this month of recognition to bring more attention to heartworm disease. Here are some important things that pet owners should know about this serious and potentially fatal condition.
Heartworm Awareness
Heartworm is a parasitic condition that animals contract after a bite from insect-carrying larvae. Through the bite, the larvae enter an animal’s bloodstream and infiltrate its heart, lungs, or blood vessels. The larvae grow into long, thin worms up to 14 inches in length. They reproduce while they are living inside of an animal, and their population can grow into hundreds.
When an animal is infected with heartworm, the first sign is usually difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include lethargy, coughing, and diminished appetite.
Treatment
Once an animal is infected with heartworm, it will need to undergo an intensive regimen of injections and limit its activity. Treatment can take many months, and it is a difficult ordeal for pets.
The best way to protect animals from this serious health risk is to administer a monthly preventative treatment. An oral medication that your veterinarian prescribes can also protect your pet against fleas and ticks.
Regular testing is crucial in treatment. Early detection helps to minimize the scope of treatment necessary to eradicate heartworm disease. It may also mitigate the permanent damage that the parasite can cause to a pet’s cardiovascular system.
Heartworm Awareness For Dogs and Cats
Heartworm predominantly affects dogs, but heartworm awareness is also important for cat owners. While cats are less susceptible to the parasite, it presents similar symptoms and health risks.
During Heartworm Awareness Month, make sure that you are taking the right steps to keep your pet safe. Contact Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to ensure that your pet is up to date with heartworm prevention and testing.
Waipahu Waikele
Kailua
Pet Specialists of Hawaii
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