Years ago -- back in the 70's - - you rarely heard of a dog getting Heartworm - - At that time I worked for a vet and we rarely even saw a case of Heartworm. Now in our Desert Valley of the Sun - - too many swimming pools, canals, lakes, etc. have been made-made and oh, - Let the mosquitoes breed & fly ! Let your Vet examine & test your pet for heartworm - - and then get your pet onto the Heartworm Drug to prevent pet from getting this horrible illness & "tragedy". From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from host to host through the bites of mosquitoes. The heartworm is a small thread-like worm. The definitive host is the dog, but it can also infect cats, wolves, coyotes, foxes and other animals, such as ferrets, sea lions and even, under very rare circumstances, humans. The parasite is commonly called "heartworm"; however, that is a misnomer because the adults actually reside in the pulmonary arterial system (lung arteries) for the most part, and the primary effect on the health of the animal is a manifestation of damage to the lung vessels and tissues. Heartworm infection may result in serious disease for the host. AVOID having any type of water setting around the outside of your home, puddles, inside pots, any little portion of standing water will be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. When I lived in Texas - -the city always fogged for mosquitoes - - in Texas mosquitoes are as big as horses - - well almost ! The fogging appears to help - - but no matter where you live -- caution- Give your dog/ cat a Heartworm Med.
Good for you and your dog Emily L. Those doggies are our blessings ! ! Certain the cost is not even missed when you know you saved this little gal and she is happy in her home life with you and her other canine friend. It shows ya -- how important giving our pets Heartworm Meds is. :couple_inlove:
