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Pet Talk

​Understanding Heartworm Disease: The Facts, Treatment, & Prevention

4/25/2016

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Michelle Estevam - Communication Coordinator 
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE, INC.
 
When it comes to the well being of our furry family members, their heath and wellness is always our priority. The first step in prevention is getting the facts and having a better understanding of the disease. According to The American Heartworm Society (AHS), more than one million pets in the U.S. have heartworm disease. Not to mention, heartworm disease has reached all 50 states. The primary mode of transport for this disease is through mosquitos, making the heartworm infection widespread and easily transmitted – especially in humid climates, like Florida. Even in states with a more temperate climate like California and Arizona where the disease was once considered rare are no longer safe from the spread.  Affecting both dogs and cats, heartworm disease can be more than just harmful, it can be fatal. Heartworm disease attacks vital functions in our pets including, the heart, lungs and pulmonary blood vessels.
 
Now that we understand the facts, it’s imperative to understand and put to practice prevention tactics to protect our pets. The AHS recommends annual testing and monitoring. Catching the disease in its early stages helps to stop the spread of the disease and enhances the recovery process. While there are currently no approved treatments for cats, the AHS urges that supportive care helps to manage complications. So be in the know when it comes to your pets overall heath. The good news is that prevention is both safe and cost effective. The AHS recommends year-round heartworm treatment for both dogs and cats, especially when prevention is the best avenue to remain both cost effective and to protect your pet from any discomfort as a result of infection. The most interesting aspect of heartworm treatment is it’s ability to wok retroactively, working double time to protect pets even in the most unpredictable environments where it’s often difficult to predict when heartworms are in season.
 
The best investment that we can make when it comes to securing our pets health and wellness is in understanding the threats they face and have the willingness to act on them. Whether this means committing to yearly check-ups or taking on a treatment or prevention regimen.
 
To learn more about heartworm disease, visit https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

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    Author

    Melissa Kauffman

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 Gulf Coast Humane Society, 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL. 33916      
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Gulf Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic
2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, FL 33901
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