National Heartworm Awareness Month: Protecting Your Pet's Heart

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to focus on the health and well-being of our furry friends. At Delray Beach Animal Hospital, we're committed to educating pet owners on the importance of heartworm prevention.Heartworms are parasites that can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems for pets like dogs and cats. Read on as we delve into the importance of heartworm prevention, the risks associated with heartworm disease, and steps you can take to protect your pet's heart.

Understanding Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted to pets through mosquito bites. These worms can damage your pet's heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to severe health problems and even death if left untreated. 

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

The symptoms of heartworm disease vary depending on the severity of the infection and the stage of the disease. Some common symptoms include:

• Mild, persistent cough
• Fatigue after moderate activity
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen
• Reluctance to exercise

In severe cases, pets may experience heart failure, collapse, or sudden death. It is important to remember that some pets may show no symptoms, making regular check-ups and preventative measures crucial.

Heartworm Prevention

The key to protecting your pet from heartworm disease is prevention. There are several steps you can take to ensure your pet stays heartworm-free:

Consult your veterinarian: Talk to your veterinarian about the best heartworm prevention plan for your pet. They will consider factors like your pet's age, breed, and lifestyle to recommend the most suitable preventative treatment.

Heartworm prevention medication: There are various medications available to prevent heartworm infection, including oral tablets, topical treatments, and injectable medications. These treatments must be administered monthly or as directed by your veterinarian.

Mosquito control: Since mosquitoes transmit heartworms, reducing their population around your home can help protect your pet. Use mosquito repellents, remove standing water, and maintain your yard to minimize mosquito breeding grounds.

Annual heartworm testing: Even if your pet is on a preventative medication, it is essential to have them tested for heartworms at least once a year. Early detection is critical to successful treatment.

Treatment of Heartworm Disease

Medications: When treating heartworms in dogs, it's common to use a combination of medications. This includes injections to get rid of adult heartworms, along with oral doxycycline and prednisone to lower the risk of side effects. Also, heartworm preventatives help kill young heartworms and stop new infections. Sometimes, other medicines or approaches might be suggested by the vet.

Surgery: If a dog has a severe heartworm infection, surgery might be needed to remove the worms from the heart and lungs. However, many dogs in this situation don't survive, even with treatment.

Taking Action for National Heartworm Awareness Month

Heartworm disease is a serious threat to the health of your pet, but with the right precautions, you can help protect them from this dangerous disease. By getting your pet tested regularly, using heartworm preventatives, keeping them indoors, and reducing their exposure to mosquitoes, you can help ensure that their hearts stay healthy and strong.

At Delray Beach Animal Hospital, we're dedicated to helping pet owners keep their pets healthy and happy. If you have any questions about heartworm disease or how to protect your pet, please don't hesitate to contact us.