Nationwide, the prevalence of heartworm disease has increased over recent years. And now, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council™ (CAPC), this life-threatening pet health issue is becoming more prevalent in the Midwest. Specifically, a report from the CAPC revealed that the Cincinnati, OH, region experienced the highest percentage increase in heartworm incidence throughout the country during January 2019. Given that increase, pet owners in the Lexington and Versailles, KY, area should take care to protect their four-legged friends from this parasite. To help you avoid this pet care concern, here’s what you should know.  

How Does Heartworm Disease Spread?

Mosquitoes ingest heartworm larvae whenever they feed on infected animals. When these mosquitoes bite other animals—such as dogs and cats—the larvae enter the bloodstream. Once they are inside the larger animal, the parasite will have the resources it needs to grow and reproduce.

Why Is Heartworm Disease Increasing in the Cincinnati Area?

Traditionally, heartworm disease has been associated with areas that experience significant mosquito problems—such as the South. However, various factors have played a role in how this parasite has spread to other parts of the country, including the Cincinnati region. Some reasons for these increased rates include ideal microclimates for mosquito growth, greater frequency of pet travel, and nationwide transport of animals for adoption purposes.

Why Is Heartworm Prevention Important?

When heartworm infects a dog or cat, the parasite will begin to feed off of their vital nutrients and grow within vital organs—such as the heart or lungs. As they grow, heartworms can cause considerable organ damage that may contribute to breathing problems, fatigue, heart failure, and death.

While treatment is available for dogs, it is risky. To be effective, this treatment must be provided early. Although this lengthy strategy can eliminate the infection, permanent organ damage may still end up causing long-term pet care issues. Given all of these risks, it is much easier and safer to stop heartworm infection before it occurs.

How Can I Protect My Dog or Cat From Heartworm?

Talk to your veterinarian about the best heartworm prevention treatment for your cat or dog. These treatments are typically provided once a month via a chewable tablet. The medicine is designed to kill larvae, but not adult heartworms. Since medication is not 100% effective, your pet care provider should also perform yearly blood tests to screen for heartworm disease.

Dedicated to pet preventive medicine throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, Buffalo Trace Veterinary Hospital can help you address heartworm concerns with confidence. Based in Versailles, KY, this animal hospital can introduce you to a variety of safe, effective, and affordable solutions to protect your dog or cat from parasites—including heartworm, fleas, and ticks. They also offer pet diagnostic services to help screen for heartworm infections. To learn more about these pet care services, visit this veterinary clinic online. For appointments, call (859) 879-3582.