April is Heartworm Awareness Month so I thought I'd take a minute to explain why heartworm prevention is so important!
The majority of heartworm preventatives also prevent against a broad-spectrum of intestinal parasites.... which never go away. Intestinal parasites survive extreme temperatures. Many intestinal parasites that dogs can carry are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to people. A recent study done by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) show that 14% of Americans have contracted roundworms from cats and dogs.
Heartworms are everywhere. They have been identified in all 50 states. To see the incidence of heartworm and intestinal parasites in your area, check out this interactive map from the Companion Animal Parasite Council: Click Here
Do you think heartworm preventative is expensive? The treatment for heartworms can be very expensive and very hard on the animal. Heartworm diagnosis and treatment can exceed $1,000 compared to $90 for preventatives.
Cats get heartworms too!! And the scary thing is, there is no effective treatment for cats. If your cat is diagnosed with heartworms, the only option your veterinarian has is for symptomatic treatment. This means they can only make your cat comfortable, but never cure the disease. Even indoor cats can get heartworms. I am sure you have seen a mosquito in your house before, even in the winter. These mosquitoes carry the deadly heartworms.
It is important to recognize the importance of year-round prevention for heartworms and intestinal parasites! Contact your veterinarian with any questions. And remember, it is never too late to get started on a preventative program!!
