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Heartworm is a parasite infecting dogs, cats and
other mammals. It is spread by mosquitos and has been prevalent in most
of the United States for years. Left untreated, heartworm infection can
proceed to fatal heart failure. Until recently, residents of Washington
state did not need to worry particularly about heartworm, but times are
changing.
Changing climates, the fact so many people are
traveling with their pets, and the redistribution of animals from the
southern United States after disasters like Hurricane Katrina are all
factors contributing to the introduction of heartworm into our area.
Because of these changes in the risk
to our pets, we now recommend every dog give a small blood sample
during his or her annual exam for a heartworm test. The test can be
performed right here in the clinic.
For more detailed information about heartworm
disease in dogs and cats, please visit the Heartworm Society website athttp://www.heartwormsociety.org.
Although heartworm is uncommon in Washington, it
will only remain that way if any infected animals are diagnosed and
treated quickly, and animals at risk for infection are on heartworm
preventive medications.
Any animal traveling outside Western Washington,
and any animal with high exposure to other animals should take
heartworm prevention medication. Heartworm is very easy to prevent by
simply giving 1 chewable tablet to your dog once-a-month. Heartworm
preventive medications are available right here at Mercer Island
Veterinary Clinic, and require a doctor's prescription. Heartworm
preventive medications also prevent intestinal parasite infections like
roundworm, hookworm and whipworm.
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Please join us in keeping our pets as safe
as possible. Have your dogs tested for heartworm once a year, and use
heartworm prevention for dogs with a higher risk of infetion. | |
