Protect Your Pet: National Heartworm Awareness Month | Express Vets Holly Springs
Every year, April is recognized as National Heartworm Awareness Month, a vital reminder of the importance of protecting our pets from a potentially deadly disease. Heartworm disease affects both dogs and cats and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While it is a serious condition, it is also completely preventable with the right care and attention. At Express Vets Holly Springs, we want to ensure every pet owner understands the dangers of heartworms and the steps they can take to safeguard their beloved companions.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. When an infected mosquito bites a pet, it transmits microscopic larvae into the bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult heartworms, which live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. In dogs, heartworms can grow up to a foot long and cause severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage, and even death if left untreated. Cats are not natural hosts for heartworms, but even a small number of worms can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory distress and sudden death.
One of the most challenging aspects of heartworm disease is that early symptoms can be subtle or even nonexistent. In dogs, signs might include coughing, fatigue after mild activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Cats may show signs like vomiting, coughing, or difficulty breathing, often mistaken for other illnesses. Because symptoms are not always obvious until the disease is advanced, regular testing and preventive measures are absolutely essential.
At Express Vets Holly Springs, we emphasize that prevention is far easier, safer, and less expensive than treatment. Monthly preventive medications, prescribed by your veterinarian, are highly effective at stopping heartworm infection before it begins. These medications work by eliminating the heartworm larvae in your pet’s bloodstream before they have a chance to mature into adults. Annual testing for heartworms is also crucial, even for pets on preventive medication, to ensure early detection and prompt treatment if necessary.
The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention, even during colder months when mosquito activity may seem low. Mosquitoes can survive indoors and warmer regions often experience mosquito populations throughout the year. Skipping just one dose of preventive medication can leave your pet vulnerable to infection. That’s why a consistent, year-round prevention plan is the best strategy to protect your dog or cat.
If a pet does become infected, treatment can be complicated, expensive, and hard on your pet’s health. For dogs, it involves a series of injections and strict exercise restriction for several months. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats, making prevention even more critical for feline companions.
Express Vets Holly Springs is dedicated to making heartworm prevention simple and accessible. During National Heartworm Awareness Month, we encourage all pet owners to schedule a heartworm test and review their pet’s preventive care plan. Together, we can take proactive steps to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and heartworm-free life.
By staying informed and committed to prevention, you can protect your furry family members from the dangers of heartworm disease. Contact Express Vets Holly Springs today to schedule a heartworm screening and discuss the best prevention options tailored to your pet’s needs. Your pet’s heart is in good hands with us.
Don't wait until it's too late—schedule your pet’s heartworm test at Express Vets Holly Springs today! Protect your pet’s heart and health year-round with expert care you can trust. Visit us at 6244 Holly Springs Parkway Suite D,Holly Springs, GA 30188 to learn more or call us at (678) 402-8717 to make an appointment.
