Mosquito season ups risk of heartworm

After a long work day, I love sitting in the backyard listing to music and watching the dogs play. Last week as soon as I sat down, I felt the bite. Mosquitoes found me and starting feeding on my arm.

Mosquitoes transmit serious diseases, including heartworm in dogs and cats. Pet owners need to remember that preventative measures are much better than treating this disease. It is estimated that 250,000 dogs are diagnosed yearly with heartworm, and the number is increasing. In all 50 states, current recommendations for dogs are for 12 months of preventative medication. Even with monthly medications, experts insist on annual testing. The common blood tests also include detection for tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease.

Cats are also at risk for heartworm infections. Outdoor cats should be on prevention and even an indoor cat has some risk. The disease is different in cats and a very small number of worms can cause a condition called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease. A single worm can cause vomiting and breathing difficulty in cats. In contrast, dogs may have 200 worms blocking heart vessels.

Veterinarians prescribe a number of products to prevent heartworm disease. Most dogs take monthly chewable tablets, but topical and injectable medications are also effective. Cats can receive topical or oral medications. No matter what monthly product is used, it must be given on a regular schedule. Some clients type the medication due date into their computer or phone. Others pick a specific date each month; stickers to place on a calendar are included in the package. I write the dates medication is administered on the back of the box.

Heartworm medication may also work against roundworm and