How to Make Sure You Are Guarding Your Pets Against Heartworms

Friday, 13 April 2018 12:15

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March was National Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworms disease is severe and potentially fatal for pets like dogs and cats. Caused by a parasitic worm that is transmitted through infected mosquitos, heartworms live in the heart and surrounding arteries of many mammals including cats and dogs. They cause excess strain on the heart and lungs. Heartworm disease is expensive to treat but, thankfully, it's almost 100% preventable.

How Does My Pet Get Heartworms?

When a mosquito bites and takes blood from an animal infected with heartworms, it picks up baby worms which mature into a larvae stage over a two-week period. When the infected mosquito bites another animal, the infected larvae enter the new host. Once inside, it takes around 6 months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms.

Are Cats Susceptible to Heartworms?

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Heartworm disease in cats is rare but, unlike for dogs, there are no current medications to treat heartworms in cats. Cats are atypical hosts but can still suffer the effects of heartworm disease.

How do I keep my pet protected? The best way to keep your pet protected is by giving them regular heartworm preventative. We sell a variety of heartworm preventatives including Revolution for cats.

If you would like more information on how to treat and prevent heartworms in your pets, visit Avery Creek Pet Hospital. Our skilled veterinarians are here to help. Check out our website for current promotions and schedule your pet’s wellness checkup online.

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