April is Heartworm Awareness month. According to the American Heartworm Society, more than one million dogs currently have heartworms. At Bark Atl's cage-free dog boarding and daycare resort, we believe that the health and safety of our pup friends is our top priority. This awareness month was created to inform pet owners about the dangers of heartworms and ways to prevent the disease.
Heartworms are biologically known as Dirofilaria immitis. A heartworm is a variety of roundworms. Heartworms are spread from animal to animal through mosquitoes. These roundworms can mature into adults and create offspring while living in your dog's heart & pulmonary arteries. Heartworms can live with your dog for many years and grow up to 12 inches. In the long run, the disease can cause heart failure and organ damage.
Heartworms are a significant health threat to animals within the United States. Due to such a high rate of dogs infected with heartworms, many owners give infected dogs to animal shelters or rescues. Some symptoms of heartworms include cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. For the most part, heartworms can be deadly - it is not something to take lightly.
While heartworm infections can being deadly, they are also 100% preventable. The best way to prevent this disease is to keep your pet healthy & active. Make sure that you reduce your pet's exposure to mosquitoes. Furthermore, please get your dog tested by a vet yearly for worms. Last, but not least, make sure to give your dog oral & topical medicine monthly for prevention.
It is much cheaper to prevent heartworms than it is to treat the disease. Ultimately, Bark ATL's cage-free dog boarding and daycare team wants to ensure your canine lives a long and healthy life. Taking precautions for your dog is a primary key to living a happy life.
Spread the right word and have a Happy National Heartworm Awareness Month!
April 11, 2018 in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.