Raising Heartworm Awareness

February brings thoughts of loving hearts, so it’s a good month to talk about keeping our canines’ hearts healthy and strong, and that means heartworm prevention.

According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), dogs are — sadly — a natural host for heartworms. The disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and arteries, affecting the dog’s health and quality of life. Dogs contract heartworms when bitten by an infected mosquito, and it can take up to six months for the disease to be detected by testing.

In the early stages, few symptoms are detectable, if any at all. Some signs include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. When the disease is in its advanced stages, a dog might develop heart failure and have the appearance of a swollen belly due to an increase of fluid in the abdomen. At its worst, according to AHS, “Dogs with large numbers of heartworms can develop a sudden blockage of blood flow within the heart, leading to a life-threatening form of cardiovascular collapse. This is called caval syndrome and is marked by a sudden onset of labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine. Without prompt surgical removal of the heartworm blockage, few dogs survive.”

Paws For Prevention

The good news is that heartworms can be treated. There are a number of options to do so, and pet owners should discuss the best options for their dog with your veterinarian.

Prevention is the best option and is as simple as a monthly or even a yearly preventative. Monthly preventatives come in the form of treats, topicals, or pills, and the yearly one is a shot. Many are combined with flea and tick preventatives as well.

Heartworms may be treated successfully, yet the diagnosis remains one that can deter adopters, leaving many wonderful dogs waiting longer than they might have otherwise. Prevention is key!

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter takes in dogs all year long who test positive for heartworms; 74 in 2023 alone. You can help get them the treatment they need by donating to the shelter’s Heartworm Treatment Fund – go to wilcopets.org and click the large yellow Donate button.

For more information about heartworms, prevention, and treatment, visit the American Heartworm Society’s website at http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics.