Are your Dog & Cat Pets at Risk for Mosquito Borne Diseases such as Heartworm in Ocala, FL?

With so much attention being focused on mosquito borne Zika Virus and its effect on the human population, you may not even realize that your four-legged family members also need protection from mosquito borne diseases. Heartworms for example can be spread though the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworms are a potentially fatal disease that can affect dogs, cats, ferrets and other mammals such as wolves, coyotes and foxes.

Heartworm Disease is Transmitted to Dogs & Other Animals Via the Bite of an Infected Mosquito

Adult heartworms that are living in an infected animal produce microscopic baby worms (microfilaria) that circulate through the bloodstream. Once a mosquito bites the infected animal, it picks up the baby worms through its meal of blood. Over a period of 10 to 14 days the baby worms develop and mature into larvae. Once the infected mosquito bites another dog or cat, the larvae are transmitted to the animal and enter through the mosquito bite. Once inside the newly infected animal, the larvae will mature into adult heartworms. The cycle from larvae to mature heartworm takes 6 months from the point of infection. Mature heartworms can live for as long as 5 to 7 years in dogs and 2 to 3 years in cats.

Are My Pets at Risk for Mosquito Borne Diseases Such as Heartworn?

Heartworms have been diagnosed across the United States in all 50 states, but it is next to impossible to predict the number of prevalent cases. There are so many variables to consider including climate, natural wildlife carriers along with varying rates of infection. Your pets are at risk whether they are outdoor or indoor pets because infected mosquitoes can enter your home and infect your pet just as easily as they can outside. The American Heartworm Society recommends that you get your pets tested once every 12 months and give your pet a monthly heartworm prevention that can be prescribed by your veterinary doctor.

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm in Dogs & Puppies

During the early stages of heartworm disease, it is not uncommon for dogs to present mild symptoms and even those may go unnoticed. The longer the infection is undetected, the more likely it is that symptoms will begin to develop. Signs of Heartworm disease in canines include mild but persistent cough, fatigue, a decrease in appetite and unexplained weight loss. Dogs in the advanced stages of the disease may develop heart failure or sudden blockages of blood flow to the heart which leads to a form of cardiovascular collapse (caval syndrome) that is life-threatening. Symptoms of caval syndrome includes pale gums, dark urine and labored breathing. Very few animals survive without prompt surgical intervention.

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm in Cats & Kittens

Signs of heartworm diseases can vary in cats and may include coughing, vomiting, and lack of appetite, unexplained weight loss and breathing issues with asthma like symptoms. On some occasions a cat that is infected with heartworms will have difficulty walking or may experience seizures or fluid in the abdomen. Sadly, the first sign that your cat has heartworms may be as dramatic as your cat collapsing or worse still sudden death.

Heartworm Prevention = Mosquito Prevention

The best way to protect your pet from heartworm is to prevent or at least minimize mosquito populations in your yard. Remove any sources of standing water and hire a professional pest control company like Pest 911. We offer expert mosquito control services. Contact us today to help protect all members of your family – even the furry, four-legged ones!