Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment

Heartworms
Heartworms are parasites that live in the animal’s body usually near the heart and lungs.  Pets become infected from mosquito bites. When the mosquito bites the animal the young heartworms or microfilaria are injected into their bloodstream and the parasite is able to grow and mature into adult worms and then take up residence in the heart or surrounding tissues.  As the infestation progresses the animal can develop signs of heart disease such as coughing, breathing difficulties and lethargy (ie. not wanting to run walk or play).  If left untreated fatal heart and lung disease may develop.   Heartworm is prevalent in Ontario.  There were over 400 hundred positive tests last year.