Heartworm Awareness Month
Although heartworms are well known for affecting dogs, they can also affect cats and less commonly, other types of pets. Here's what you should know about heartworms this month and how to keep your pet safe.
What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are long, thin worms that live in the heart and lungs of an infected animal. If not treated, this can cause heart and lung disease and is often fatal. Heartworms are caused by a bite from an infected mosquito, where heartworm larvae move through the animal's bloodstream and take up residence in the heart to grow.
Because mosquitos are common in most areas, it's especially important to take preventative measures to protect your pet.
Symptoms of Heartworms
Animals with heartworms may exhibit:
- A light, dry cough
- Weight loss and/or poor appetite
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapsing
- Lethargy or lower than normal activity levels
If your pet shows any of the above signs and symptoms of heartworms, be sure to have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
How Are Heartworms Treated?
The best treatment for heartworms is preventative medicine. Once your pet tests negative for heartworms, you can begin a monthly treatment that is as easy as giving your pet a delicious treat. If your pet tests positive for heartworms, it's absolutely critical that treatment at an animal hospital begins immediately.
Often, a veterinarian will start a pet on a course of antibiotics and steroids before beginning the actual treatment for heartworms. Treatment to kill the adult worms consists of a series of injections that lasts approximately 60 days, and pets are often hospitalized for observation on the days the injections are given. Heartworm preventative is also typically given to kill smaller worms and larvae, since the injections only kill adult worms.
Contact Mokena Animal Clinic for Heartworm Prevention and Treatment Today
At Mokena Animal Clinic, Ltd., we can help you protect and treat your furry friend. Contact us today at 708-479-2811 and make Heartworm Awareness Month count!
