Heartworms – The Killer Parasite That is Completely Preventable
By: Dr. Matt Encinosa
Heartworms are very prevalent in Florida, yet, as veterinarians, we still see clients every day that choose to forgo preventative medications. There are many reasons that people choose to not give these medications such as expense, concerns that the medications may cause harm, their pets rarely go outside so they don’t think they can get heartworms, or they can’t give their pets medications by mouth. The truth is that heartworm medications are very safe, affordable, and there are numerous alternatives to fit your pet’s lifestyle, even if you can’t give a medication by mouth. Also, they can still get heartworms even if they never go outside.
The lifecycle of a heartworm starts with a mosquito. The mosquito drinks the blood of a dog that is already infected with heartworms and then can transfer juvenile heartworms to another dog when it drinks their blood. The juvenile heartworms then slowly turn into adults inside the new host and set up their new home in your furry friend’s heart. These worms then can cause major issues in the heart and lungs (depending on the number of worms present) and can even result in long lasting heart damage, heart failure, or even sudden death.
Because of the hot and humid climate in Florida, we have a ton of mosquitos that would love to transfer heartworms to your pets. Keeping your dog on a heartworm prevention is the best means to keep them safe. There are monthly oral, and 6 month or yearly injectable options for those dogs that hate taking pills. We all find wandering mosquitos in our houses from time to time and they can be carriers for heartworms as well. So even if you have completely indoor pets, keeping them on regular preventatives is very important.
Once a dog has contracted heartworms, treatment can be potentially life threatening, and very expensive. Please reach out to your local vet if you have any questions or need to start your pet on heartworm prevention.
The American Heartworm Association is a very helpful online resource for further information on heartworm disease and prevention.