Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, which means all dogs are at risk for heartworms no matter where they live. Over 250,000 dogs in the U.S. were reported positive for heartworms in 2004. In northern Colorado, the American Heartworm Society reports one to five cases per clinic.
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Heartworms
The number of heartworm cases in Colorado increase each year. This is due to heartworm positive dogs being brought to the area from highly endemic states (such as what happened after Hurricane Katrina). Unfortunately, some pet owners do not feel that heartworm disease is common enough in Colorado to protect against, which perpetuates the spread of the parasite and puts even more dogs at risk.
Heartworms invade the hearts and lungs of your dog. Left untreated, heartworm disease may be fatal to your dog. Recently infected dogs may not exhibit signs of the disease, while heavily infected dogs exhibit symptoms such as a mild, persistent cough; reluctance to move or exercise; fatigue after only moderate exercise; reduced appetite and weight loss.
Because heartworm disease prevention is safe, easy and inexpensive, the American Heartworm Society recommends that pet owners “take steps now to talk to their veterinarian about how to best protect their pets from this dangerous disease.”
Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs is possible; however, it is a complicated and expensive process that requires weeks of recovery for the dog. Heartworm treatment is complicated and difficult to endure because it requires that all of the be worms killed without causing damage to the dog’s heart and lungs.
Hookworms & Roundworms. The ‘Yuck’ factor
In addition to heartworms, your dog is also at risk for hookworms and roundworms, which are intestinal parasites that can cause dangerous infestations. Hookworms and roundworms are zoonotic, which means they are transferable to people (children are especially susceptible).
Hookworms
Hookworms live in the intestines and feed on intestinal tissue, which results in blood loss and inflammation. Severe infestation can lead to anemia, debilitation, and death (especially in puppies).
How do people get hookworms?
- Penetrating the body directly through the skin, most commonly through bare feet
- Accidentally ingesting along with infected soil
- Bringing their hands to their mouth after touching contaminated soil or objects
What happens when a person is infected with hookworms?
- Because humans are not natural hosts for hookworms, they migrate throughout the entire body causing damage wherever they go.
- Their migration path is just under the skin causing rashes, eruptions, and itching.
- Occasionally, they may go deeper inside the body inflaming internal organs.
- In rare cases, they will invade the small intestine of the human.
Roundworms
Infecting over 90% of puppies under three months old, roundworms are among the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. Roundworms also live in the intestines and they deprive their host of all nutrients. Symptoms of roundworms include diarrhea, weight loss, swollen abdomen, and vomiting.
Roundworms are transmitted either through the mother’s placenta or milk, or through contact with the feces of an infected animal.
How do people get roundworms?
- Accidentally ingesting the worms’ eggs in soil
- Bringing their hands to their mouths after touching contaminated soil or objects
What happens with a person is infected with roundworms?
- Because humans are not natural hosts for roundworms, they migrate throughout the entire body causing damage wherever they go.
- They damage the liver, heart or lungs, and can even be fatal if they infect the heart or brain
- They can cause impaired sight and loss of vision
- Roundworms are still the #1 reason for blindness in children
Protect Your Pet and Your Family
We recommend you protect your pet 9 months of the year (March – November) with Heartgard Plus and get your pet tested at least every other year. Heartgard Plus protects against heartworms, roundworms and hookworms.
Why is a Heartworm Test Important?
Heartworm testing is important because Heartgard Plus only kills any existing, immature heartworms introduced to the dog over the past 30 days. It does not protect against heartworms introduced after the preventative has been consumed—that is why Heartgard Plus is given every 30 days.
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