Heartworm prevention easy; pluas, help treat stricken dogs

It's National Heartworm Awareness Month and a good time to ensure that your dog(s) are protected. While preventing heartworms is relatively inexpensive, treating them can be costly.

Statistically, about 6 percent of dogs in the United States contract heartworms. Unfortunately, that number is much higher in Florida

All dogs are susceptible to heartworm infection. Heartworms in dogs is caused by a parasite that is transmitted solely by mosquitoes.

The moment a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, larvae transfers into their bloodstream, where it incubates for several days before being transported through the bloodstream into the heart.

In a little over six months, the infective larvae mature into adult worms. Once in the right ventricle, the parasites duplicate in number, eventually causing damage to a dog's vital organs. The initial symptom is coughing as the parasites find their way into the lungs, veins and liver.

Heartworm disease is preventable. Your dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Testing ensures that your pet is free of adult heartworms.

The American Heartworm Society (AHS) estimates that only 50 percent of dogs in areas where heartworm occurs are actually on heartworm preventives.

The problem extends outside your home and into the community. Many dogs at the Manatee County Animal Services Shelter have heartworms -- over 33 percent on most days. Some of them have been surrendered to the shelter because they have heartworms, like four small breeds this past week were.

Fortunately for the wonderful adoptable dogs at MCAS, heartworm infection is highly treatable with a drug that is injected into the muscle.

If you want to help save the life of a heartworm-positive dog, stop by MCAS and adopt or foster a heartworm-positive dog. Their treatment will be paid for. To find out more about the No Kill Medical Fund, visit animalnetworkinc.com.

Debra Starr, Animal Network

Palmetto

This story was originally published April 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Heartworm prevention easy; pluas, help treat stricken dogs ."