heartworm

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month, and the Oconee Regional Humane Society is back with the Have a Heart campaign to drive community awareness of heartworms’ devastating impact and raise critical funding to help more animals impacted directly upon intake at the shelter. 

An anonymous donor will match up to $12,500 raised from this campaign through April 30.

Donate today to double the impact.

Did you know that heartworms are among the most dangerous parasitic worms that infect our companion animals? Over 1 million dogs are estimated to be infected with heartworms yearly, according to the American Medical Veterinary Association (AVMA). Dogs become infected when bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic larvae. These larvae are deposited on the pet as a mosquito feeds and quickly penetrate the skin to migrate into the pet’s bloodstream. Eventually, adult heartworms can grow to ten or twelve inches long and make their home on the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries. There, the presence of heartworms leads to arterial and lung disease and, in some cases, heart failure. 

Heartworms can live inside your pet for six months before a test can tell your veterinarian they’re there. To stop the cycle, keep your pet on heartworm prevention beginning at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Signs of heartworm in a dog may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after exertion, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Signs of heartworm in cats include coughing, asthma-like attacks, periodic vomiting, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Unfortunately, in some cases, the first sign for cats is collapse or sudden death. 

While this disease can be found in all 50 states, the climate and topography of the Georgia Lake Country make it an optimal breeding ground for mosquitos carrying this dangerous disease. 

The team at ORHS often encounters heartworm-positive dogs upon intake. The team is currently in the process of treating several dogs at ORHS who are heartworm positive, including Polly.

Polly has already made incredible strides as a 3-year-old mixed breed since being found as a stray with her two puppies. She has already been spayed, received FHO surgery to repair an old leg injury, and has also began a life-altering physical therapy. All while also being heartworm-positive.

Will you consider a $75 donation toward Polly’s treatment to double the impact to $150 this April?  

Help secure another $12,500 for the Have a Heart campaign by the end of the month, providing $25,000 in generous support to this campaign.

To learn more go to www.orhspets.org or follow on social media.