Pet owners do all they can to keep their animals safe, happy, and healthy. Yet, something as seemingly innocent as walking your dog outside could put them at risk for catching a life-threatening illness: heartworm. The good news is this serious disease is largely preventable. Here, the experienced pet care experts from Dells Animal Hospital in Wisconsin Dells share some need-to-know information about the condition.

What Is Heartworm?

Heartworm is a common name for the condition pets can develop in which parasites feed, mature, and reproduce within a host’s body. Called heartworms, these parasites can grow to be a foot in length and may eventually infect the pet’s organs. This stage of the infestation is referred to as heartworm disease, as it can ultimately lead to heart failure. Although the disease can occur in cats, it is more common in canines.

Why Is Protection So Critical?

The scary disease can be picked up easily. All it takes for a pet to contract the parasites is a bite from an infected mosquito. After biting the pet, the mosquito leaves behind larva, which matures and travels throughout their body. If caught early, the condition can be treated, but it may require hospitalization or inactivity for weeks.   

How Can I Protect My Pet?

The best approach to combatting heartworm is prevention. The veterinarians at Dells Animal Hospital offer medicated chewables that can be administered monthly to keep your pet protected against the parasites year-round. If your dog is seven months of age or older and has not been taking medication regularly, the pet care expert may recommend testing them for the disease first to be sure there is no infestation present, as the signs of the disease do not always manifest in the early stages.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your pet protected against heartworm, don’t hesitate to contact the caring staff from Dells Animal Hospital. Their dedicated team has been providing the highest level of pet care for local animals for more than 50 years. Call (608) 253-7361 to get in touch with one of their knowledgeable staff members. For pet owners’ convenience and peace of mind, the animal hospital also offers heartworm prevention right on their website, with free shipping on orders over $49.