Central Brevard Humane Society

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Heartworms: Do Not Let This Happen To Your Pet?
Each year the mosquito population grows in Florida, and around the world. These small pests do more than just cause red irritating bumps, they threaten your pet's life. Each year the Central Brevard Humane Society sees an increase in animals surrendered due to Heartworm infestations. Heartworms don't have to threaten your pet, prevention is simple and inexpensive. Initially it requires a trip to your veterinarian for a simple blood test. Once your pet is determined to be negative, regular dosing with medication is given to prevent a potential infestation.

Heartworm infestation is very dangerous to your pet; untreated dogs die and those that undergo treatment suffer through weeks of distress and discomfort while the worms are killed and discharged from their bodies. Heartworms are spread when mosquitoes take blood from an infected dog that contains larval, which are immature heartworms, and then bite another dog. Adult heartworms resemble long strands of spaghetti that live in the dog's heart and lungs.

Treatments may vary but normally are administered in two doses each day for two days, followed by several weeks of inactivity to give the dog's system a chance to absorb the dead worms. Rest and inactivity are a crucial part of your pet's treatment as exercise and excitement can cause the dead worms to dislodge, travel to the lungs, and ultimately cause death. Treatment of your infested pet is also very costly.

Don't let this happen to your pet. Along with a simple preventative available through your veterinarian, always keep your pet indoors during mosquito's most active times - early dusk and at dawn. Always remember to empty any outside containers that may hold water, mosquitoes breed in standing water. Most importantly, remember to give your pet's medication as directed by your veterinarian.

Written by: Laura DeLong, Director of Operations