Heartworm disease is a growing concern in Ontario. There are a number of dogs each year that test positive for heartworm and must endure a lengthy and costly treatment to treat this parasite. A yearly heartworm test is advised for all dogs in the spring of each year. During the spring and summer to avoid the risk of your dog contracting heartworm disease there are monthly heartworm prevention is available through your veterinarian. Many of these heartworm preventives also contain medication that treat some of the common intestinal parasites as well as prevention for fleas. Heartworm season begins as the warmer weather begins and carries througout the summer into the fall. Routinely we treat for 6 months beginning June 1st to November 1st.

Heartworm in Cats:

Any area where there is risk of a dog contracting heartworm the risk is possible for cats as well. We do not regularly recommend testing your cat for heartworm as the sensitivity of the testing is poor, but we do highly recommend treating your cat with a heartworm prevention, just as you would your dog. If your cat is strictly indoors the risk is decreased but possible if mosquitos are entering the home. We recommend prevention of course to any cat that spends any time outdoors. As well as preventive for dogs, most products for cats also include medications that treat intestinal parasites and prevent fleas. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Heartworm Facts:

• Heartworm is transferred by mosquitos
• Prevention is very effective and much less costly than treatment
• Heartworms are a parasitic worm (about the diameter of thin spaghetti) that normally live free floating in the right ventricle of the heart and nearby blood vessels
• Heartworm in the cat produces more respiratory symptoms than cardiac signs
  

Call your veterinarian for more information on testing and heartworm preventive medication.