heartworm disease

Heartworm disease is a serious and deadly disease transmitted by mosquitos that is found in the United States and all over different parts of the world.  Heartworm disease is found in dogs, cats and ferrets. However, heartworms also live in other mammal species. These species can include wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans. The disease is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. This causes severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body.
Keeping your pets on year-round heartworm prevention is key to making sure that your pets do not contract heartworm disease. An annual heartworm test is required to ensure that the prevention is working and your pet does not have heartworm disease. If your pet has not been on year round prevention, a heartworm test is recommended every 6 months.
For more information on heartworm disease visit https://www.heartwormsociety.org/ .