heartworm disease bites!

THEY ARE GROSS! 
Yes, yes, I know the title of this blog post refers to heartworms, and believe me they areeee gross!  But, what I'm really talking about is mosquitoes!

We all know how awful mosquitoes are… I mean, seriously—it’s early spring and I’ve gotten at least 12 bites today.  But unfortunately, there is so much more to worry about than just the itchiness that plagues us as the weather warms up. Did you know that 
heartworms are spread by mosquitoes? 

Mosquitoes spread the disease by biting and taking a blood meal from an infected pet and then transferring the disease by feasting on its next victim.  Unlike many other diseases, heartworms are not contagious from pet to pet.  It can take 6+ months for baby heartworms to mature into adults. When the heartworms have matured, they begin to wreak havoc on the dogs body. Female heartworms can span the length of 10+ inches! Dogs who are infected can exhibit symptoms such as abdominal swelling, coughing, anorexia and exercise intolerance.  If untreated, heartworm disease is fatal.  Fortunately, if caught in time, there is treatment for the disease, although it can be both tough on the dog and on your wallet. 

We live in an area where mosquitoes are always present.  Let us help keep your pupper safe by following the Veterinarian recommended regimen of testing for heartworm disease annually and maintaining year-round heartworm prevention.  From now until the end of April, receive $5 off heartworm testing and a discount on your pup’s heartworm prevention.  Call the office for more information!