APRIL IS HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH
Among the many things that make mosquitoes one of the most dangerous pests in the world is their ability to spread heartworms. April is Heartworm Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to shed some light on heartworms and what you can do. Here is some information from the American Heartworm Association about Heartworm Awareness Month:
WHAT IS HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Heartworm disease occurs when foot-long worms enter the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of an animal. This causes severe lung damage, heart disease, and organ damage.
HOW IS HEARTWORM DISEASE TRANSMITTED?
When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, it picks up microfilaria (microscopic worms) circulating through the animal’s bloodstream infecting the mosquito. The next time that mosquito bites another animal, it transmits the microfilaria to the animal.
WHO CAN GET HEARTWORM DISEASE?
The most commonly affected animals are dogs, cats, and ferrets. Other mammals like wolves, coyotes, and foxes can contract heartworms. Although it's rare, humans can become infected too.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET HAS HEARTWORMS?
The symptoms of heartworm disease vary between individual animals, but watch for:
- Dogs: cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Left untreated, heart failure and sudden blockages of blood flow can occur.
- Cats: coughing, vomiting, lack of appetite, and seizures. Unfortunately, too often the disease goes undiagnosed until it results in their death.
- Ferrets: similar symptoms to dogs, but symptoms can progress more quickly because of their small size. Even one worm can cause cause serious respiratory distress.
HOW CAN I PREVENT MY PET FROM GETTING HEARTWORMS?
The best way to prevent heartworm disease is to give your pet preventative heartworm medication, which can be purchased through your veterinarian.
Source: https://www.mosquito-authority.com/blog/diseases-caused-by-mosquitoes/
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