Hiya Pupsters! I want to talk to you about something VERY VERY impawtant! Heartworm Prevention! I’m so glad today is Heartworm Prevention Day! And where I live in the lowcountry of Charleston, SC, heartworms are very prevalent in pups without prevention. Yup, you guessed it – most strays and neglected dogs have this horrible condition! But they aren’t the only ones…

How does a dog get heartworms? All it takes is one tiny bite from one tiny annoying mosquito, then ZAP! Pup is infected. From there, the tiney larvae travel to the pups heart where they grow into very long worms. If left untreated, the worms grow so big that they obstruct the heart, causing breathing issues which you may notice in the form of coughing and lethargy.

Did you know that a heartworm prevention can save your pups life? A once a month tablet or chew can prevent heartworms in your dog. Approximately $20/month to prevent something that can cost well over a $1000 and months to correct, IF it’s caught early enuff and not fatal. That’s almost 5-7 years of prevention!!

BUT my dog won’t get it… Pups left untreated for short periods, and even inside dogs, are still at great risk for heartworms. Mosquitos can fly anywhere, sneaking inside while a door or window is open, and all they have to do is sniff us out, land, and bite. So of course, I recommend staying on a heartworm preventative year round, on a monthly schedule so you don’t forget!

Talk to your vet! Your vet will be able to recommend the bet option for your dog’s heartworm prevention. We use a couple types of prevention in our house because we all have different needs, just like hoomans! AND, if you suspect a pup may have heartworms, get them to the Dogtor! Early detection makes treatment easier and less likely for complications or death.

Helpful MilkTip: I learned today from a hooman furiend in the animal world that it is recommended to break the heartworm prevention chews or tablets into pieces. We can digest it better that way, and it reduces the chance to be passed when we poop!

Charleston, SC Pupsters! PetHelpers can do a heartworm test for county residents for only $30 and you can order heartworm prevention online to get the cheapest cost. Other programs offered occasionally can lower this cost. Also, North Charleston residents of certain zip codes may qualify for Charleston Animal Society’s Pets for Life Program!

This post is pawed in memory of sweet Addison. She was one of the first pups moms fostered well before I was born, and she had been abandoned in the woods to survive on her own after being bred. Unfortunately, Addison had heartworms and passed from complications due to heartworm treatment. She lives in all of our hearts and will always be remembered, and a reason for us to educate Pupsters on the impawtance of heartworm prevention. She was too sweet to pass over the rainbow bridge.