Have a Heart For Heartworm Awareness Month In the pet calendar, the entire month of April is known as Heartworm Awareness Month. It is a month dedicated to making pet parents aware of the deadly heartworm disease that affects millions of pets every year across the globe. Heartworm mainly affects dogs, but cats too can get infected with heartworm disease. While such a disease is a serious issue, heartworm prevention is pivotal, which is why Heartworm Awareness Month came into existence.
Defining Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease is a serious life-threatening disease that largely affects pets. Such a disease is caused by a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria Immitis. Mosquitoes are the main medium for spreading heartworm disease from an affected host to a hale and hearty one. These noodle-like 14-inch long worms tend to live and breed in and around the heart and lung areas causing immense uneasiness. If not treated at the earliest, these worms can lead to problems such as heart failure, lung cancer, other organ failures, etc.
Decoding the Heartworm Signs The signs of heartworm disease in dogs may include: • • • • • • • •
Mild and persistent cough Decrease in appetite Labored breathing Pale and dull gums Reduction in weight Fatigue after moderate activity Dark-colored urine Swollen up belly
The signs of heartworm disease in cats may include: • • • • • • •
Periodic vomiting Coughing Appetite loss Asthma-like attacks Difficulty in walking Seizures Sudden collapse