Heartworm disease: the odds are not in your favor

Heartworm disease: the odds are not in your favor


Even if mosquitoes seem few and far between where you live, don’t be fooled into thinking your pet does not need heartworm preventative. Heartworm disease requires only one animal with infected blood and a hungry mosquito to pass that infection on to your furry friend.

For example, many coyotes carry young heartworms in their bloodstream. The same can be true of animals that come from other parts of the country where heartworm disease is a big problem. Mosquitoes usually don’t travel more than a quarter of a mile during their lifetimes, especially if they’re near standing water. Once they draw blood from a nearby infected animal and fly over to bite your dog, cat or ferret, heartworm infection is a done deal.

So don’t rely on the odds being in your favor. Cover your bets and use heartworm preventative for your pets year-round.

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