Heartworm disease is a common and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries and lungs of dogs, cats, and in rare cases, humans. It has been reported in all 50 states, but is particularly prevalent in the warmer parts of the country, as it is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
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Virtually 100% of unprotected dogs that are exposed to heartworm microfilariae (or eggs) become infected, and the worms can live up to 7 years in your dogs heart — and the stats aren’t much better for cats, either. This may sound scary, but the good news is that heartworm disease is preventable.
3 Simple Steps to Preventing Heartworm
- Get your pet tested for heartworm once a year
- Use preventative heartworm medication on your dog or cat year round
- Share this message to help us prevent the spread of heartworm disease. Click this link, then click big red “share button,” to share this campaign with friends
For every share we will donate 25 cents to the American Heartworm Society.