Heartworm Prevention Month
Spring is in full swing at the Fredericksburg SPCA! While the month of April is known for having showers which bring May flowers, it’s also the month designated as National Heartworm Prevention Month. Mosquitoes are a year-round nuisance, so while you might be awakening from a winter slumber, they are hoping you have slipped with your pets monthly preventative!
Just a Bite?
No one enjoys a mosquito bite. The itch and irritation from one of those tiny bites can last for days, but it’s what can happen below the skin that can be especially problematic. Our household pets are just as prone to mosquito bites, and animals can get more than just an itchy bite – they can get devastating diseases.
The Heart of the Matter
Heartworm is a serious disease that attacks the heart, lungs and veins of its host and is fatal if left untreated. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito which will pass on microscopic larvae into the bloodstream of animals. In a few short months, heartworms can grow up to 12 inches, restricting blood flow. If left untreated, worms will be left to reproduce and die within the bloodstream, causing catastrophic clotting, respiratory disease and heart failure. It can cause lasting health effects, even with treatment and cure. And here’s the thing – it’s 100% preventable! By keeping up-to-date with monthly preventatives, your goodest boys and girls can avoid the unnecessary health threat.
An Ounce of Prevention is worth a Pound of Cure!
Heartworm Disease affects over 1 Million pets every year. Treatment for this deadly disease is invasive and painful for the animal, and is costly to pet owners. Estimated cost for treatment for a mid-sized dog is around $1,032. This includes pre-treatment medication, three heartworm treatment injections with sedation and pain medication, steroids post-treatment, and take home pain medicine. Preventatives tend to be much less of a burden on the wallet, not to mention the benefit of protecting your best friend from a prolific parasite and painful spinal injections!
And so…
The Fredericksburg SPCA encourages all pet owners to partner with their vet, to ensure their best friends are protected year round from this devastating but preventable disease! Speak to your vet, or check out heartwormsociety.org for more helpful information!
