When it rains, it pours. Not only is the number of dogs being surrendered to The Animal Shelter up due to the hard economic times, but more of those dogs are testing positive for heartworm disease.

Heartworms are transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. They lodge in the lungs and heart, growing and multiplying. Although heartworm is considered a summertime threat in many states, in the South mosquitoes can be found most months out of the year. Because mosquitoes are so common here, any pet is at risk, whether kept indoors or outdoors, large or small, mix or pure.

One example is Austin, a gregarious Golden Retriever and recent shelter arrival. Despite being otherwise healthy and energetic, Austin tested positive for heartworm. Heartworm positive animals will not show symptoms until the heart is already compromised, so vets recommend annual testing prior to beginning monthly prevention. Thanks to testing, Austin’s heartworm has been caught early and he is a good candidate for successful treatment.

That treatment comes with a high price tag. Depending on the size of the animal, costs can run into the hundreds. With so many animals to care for, and with money so tight, the shelter is hard-pressed to get treatment for every heartworm victim. 

As with most things in life, prevention is better than treatment. There are several brands of monthly heartworm prevention, and the competition has lowered prices overall. Heartworm pills sold in packs of 6 or 12 can cost less than $5 per monthly dose. We all know our pets have big hearts. That’s a small price to pay for keeping that heart safe.