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