Every April, pet owners, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and Lake Oconee Humane Society (LOHS), observe Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and other mammals. To help fight this insidious disease, LOHS is back with their Have a Heart campaign to drive community awareness of heartworm prevention.

Heartworm disease occurs when infected mosquitoes bite pets, depositing heartworm larvae into their bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms that reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to severe health complications, including heart failure, lung disease and organ damage. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

The symptoms of heartworm disease vary depending on the severity of the infection. In dogs, common symptoms include persistent cough, fatigue after mild activity, weight loss, decreased appetite, swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation. Cats, on the other hand, may show symptoms such as coughing or asthma-like attacks, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss or collapse.

Preventing heartworm disease is far easier and less expensive than treating an infection. LOHS strongly advocates for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarians to develop a year-round heartworm prevention plan. Preventative medications are available in various forms, including oral tablets, topical solutions, and injectable options. Regular veterinary check-ups and annual heartworm testing are essential to ensure pets remain protected.  Treating heartworm costs upwards of $1000, but annual testing and medications are a fraction of the cost.

Unfortunately, each year between five and 15 animals arrive at LOHS infected. 

Candy arrived at the shelter in November and unfortunately was heartworm positive. Candy is an energetic young adult and a very sweet girl. She’s just finished her heartworm treatments and has found her furever home where she should live a long and healthy life thanks to the treatment LOHS was able to provide — made possible by previous LOHS Have a Heart campaigns.  

The Role of Heartworm Awareness Month

Heartworm Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder for pet owners to stay vigilant in protecting their furry companions. As a responsible pet owner, take proactive steps to safeguard your pets from heartworm disease. Schedule regular veterinary visits, maintain consistent heartworm prevention and educate others about the dangers of this disease. 

LOHS uses this month to spread awareness about the risks and prevention methods that can help save countless pets from suffering. LOHS’s Heart to Heart goal this year is to raise $12,500 to continue providing these life-saving treatments and other medical care so the animals can fully recover and live long, healthy lives. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, they will match up to $12,500 raised from this campaign from April 1- April 30. That’s $25,000 to help animals in need! 

Visit LOHSPets.org for more information or to donate.