At this time of year you need to know about heartworm disease and prevention. Heartworms, a potentially deadly problem, are spread by the pesky mosquito, and you know we have plenty of those! There are products that combine monthly heartworm prevention with monthly flea prevention (Sentinel, a tablet; or Revolution, a topical). Ask us to test your pet today and then start on prevention right away. It's the least you can do for a friend.

What is Heartworm?

• Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis or D. immitis) is transmitted by mosquitoes
• It can be found in most areas of the country where mosquitoes breed
• When a mosquito bites an infected animal, the heartworm larvae are ingested along with the blood
• Larvae mature to the infective stage within the body of the mosquito then are transmitted to a dog or cat through another mosquito bite
• Once inside the host animal, heartworms travel to the lungs and the right side of the heart, where they can grow and mate for several years
• Adult heartworms reside in the pulmonary arteries, or right heart if large amount of worms are present and can grow to a length of 5-to-12 inches in dogs and 5-to-8 inches in cats.

The early signs of heartworm disease in dogs:

• Fatigue
• Nonproductive cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Exercise intolerance
• Weight loss

The signs of heartworm disease in cats:

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing and chronic vomiting
• Occasional collapse
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Rapid heart rate
• Convulsions
• Sudden death