Wednesday 30 October 2013

Myths About Heartworm Revealed

Do you know the truth about heartworm and how to give your pet the right protection against this parasite? Read on as we reveal the truth about the most common heartworm and heartworm treatment myths.

My pet only needs preventative heartworm treatment

Like most myths, this one holds a grain of truth at its core. Scientists know that heartworm is only transmitted to pets by mosquitoes, so it is only a concern while mosquitoes are around. In the past, weather conditions meant that mosquitoes would die off in the chill of winter and become an issue during the warm, humid spring months. Changes in the climate now mean that mosquito season is considerably longer than it once was, and in many states, mosquitoes are around throughout the year. Heartworm infection occurs with a single bite so it is important to give your pet a heartworm treatment all year round, even if you think mosquito season is over.



Preventative heartworm treatment is only necessary in some areas of the USA.

Some years ago, heartworm was only found in some regions of the United States however, the parasite has now been confirmed in all 50 states. Even in areas where the climate is hot and dry during the summer months, artificial ponds, irrigation systems and agricultural water storage tanks can provide a habitat for heartworm carrying mosquitoes.


Cats don't need preventative heartworm treatment only dogs can be infected.

Heartworm is most commonly found in animals like dogs, foxes and coyotes, but it would be incorrect to assume that cats cannot host this parasite. In fact, statistics suggest that a growing number of felines are being diagnosed with heartworm, meaning that it is essential to provide both cats and dogs with the appropriate preventative heartworm treatment.


Heartworm infection is not fatal.

The myth that heartworm infection is not fatal is a dangerous one the truth is that heartworm is a very serious condition which must be treated for the host animal to survive. An animal which has been infected will experience a number of distressing symptoms as the heartworm multiply inside their body. This is because the heartworm are concentrated around the heart and lungs, which reduces blood and oxygen circulation. Without treatment an infected pet cannot survive.


Indoor pets do not need a regular, preventative heartworm treatment.

You might think that if your dog or cat lives indoors that there is no chance of it getting bitten by a heartworm carrying mosquito, so there is no point spending money on protection against parasites. There is some truth in this, as indoor pets are less likely to be bitten by a mosquito but there is still a risk that a mosquito could get into your home and bite your pet. Don't take chances use a heartworm treatment to avoid infection.


If one pet catches heartworm, it will infect my other pets.

It is very upsetting for an owner to discover that their pet has a heartworm infection and especially so if you believe the myth that the infected animal can pass the parasite onto other pets in the household. The good news is this is just a myth. The only way that a pet can catch heartworm is if they are bitten by an infected mosquito and using a heartworm treatment will reduce the risk significantly.


Pets with heartworm can pass the infection onto humans.

Animal charities and adoption shelters have expressed concern at the number of pets whose owners give them up after a diagnosis of heartworm infection. This may be partly due to the myth that humans can catch heartworm from their pets. In fact, human infection by heartworm is very rare and transmission only occurs through a mosquito bite you cannot catch heartworm from your pet.


Treating heartworm infection is as easy and effective as using a preventative heartworm treatment.

Don't be fooled into thinking that treating heartworm is a good alternative to using a preventative heartworm treatment. Heartworm is very serious illness and the necessary treatment to get rid of it is expensive, time-consuming and can be quite traumatic for the pet. Remember the old phrase prevention is better than a cure? Keep this in mind and provide your pet with all year protection with a preventative heartworm treatment.






0 comments:

Post a Comment