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Dear Media Professional:
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) estimates that 27 million dogs in the U.S. are currently not on a heartworm preventative, needlessly exposing them to potential infection from heartworm. Heartworm disease is a serious canine health concern that threatens animals in all 48 contiguous states and Hawaii, as well as throughout the temperate regions of the world.
Heartworms live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected animals, and can lead to heart failure, as well as damage to other organs. Dogs are most at risk of developing heartworm infection, although cats, ferrets and some wild animals are also susceptible. Heartworms are spread from animal to animal by mosquitoes.
Although heartworm disease can be deadly to infected animals, it is also completely preventable, with several products currently available through veterinarians to protect pets from heartworm infection.
The AHS urges that pet owners take steps now to protect their pets from this dangerous and potentially deadly disease. Following in this section is more information about heartworm disease, its treatment and diagnosis, and how pet owners can prevent heartworm infection in their pets.
Although heartworm infection can cause serious complications in pets, it can be prevented. For dogs, there are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection, including an injectable administered by your veterinarian that provides protection for six months, daily and monthly tablets and chewables, and monthly topicals. All of these methods are extremely effective and when the drugs are administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be completely prevented.
AHS scientists and veterinarians are also available for interviews. Please contact Eve Larocca at the American Heartworm Society, heartwormsociety@earthlink.net.
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