Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 U.S. states.
While heartworm can happen anywhere in the U.S. there are distinct areas of concentration. Namely, the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and Mississippi Delta. Heartworm disease is common on the Atlantic, from Florida up through New England. This mosquito-borne illness is marked by persistent coughing, weight loss, and fatigue. Our pets are at risk. Dogs, cats, and even ferrets can contract heartworm from the bite of a mosquito. Where is heartworm most highly-reported? Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
Where is heartworm common in the United States?
Heartworm is on the rise. Well, sometimes.
According to the American Heartworm Society, there are many factors that affect increased numbers of infection. Even from one year to the next, heartworm can sharply rise or decline. As for the increased area, where heartworm exists, there is an explanation for that. In years past, the disease has not been common in the western states, like Arizona and California. The sprawling mosquito population is much to blame, which is first due to climate change. Warmer and wetter climates breed more mosquitoes and allow them to move into areas, where before they were not found.
Decreases in heartworm infections could be due to:
- Lack of carriers
- Less mosquitoes
- Drier climate
- Less tests performed by veterinarians
- Many other factors!
Where do mosquitoes pick up heartworms?
Mosquitoes can pick up heartworm from wild animals and stray animals. Areas where there are not huge populations of either might have less incidence of heartworm infection. We must remember, though, that infection can and does happen in all 50 states. It can occur in urban and suburban locales. Your pet can become infected outside or inside your home.
Preventing heartworm is easier than curing heartworm.
Like many tick and mosquito-borne illnesses, it is better to prevent heartworm than treat it. While there is a cure for infection in dogs, treatment is rigorous. It is also dangerous. As heartworms are killed in your dog’s blood stream, they begin to decompose. Pieces of these worms can dislodge and result in death. For this reason, a dog undergoing treatment, must be kept very calm for the duration of treatment. Even if cured, your dog could be left with lifelong heart failure. If untreated, heartworm can cause multiple organ failure, and will ultimately lead to death.
Portsmouth mosquito control is one factor in heartworm prevention.
It stands to reason that the less likely your dog is to encounter a mosquito, the less likely he is to become infected with heartworm. For this reason, I recommend at-home Portsmouth mosquito control. Scheduling mosquito barrier control spray from April through the end of October is one way to keep your pet protected around your home and inside your home.
Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the best method of prescription prevention for your pet. A yearly heartworm test is all that is required to keep your pet on a preventative regimen. If your pet cannot safely take prescription medication, your vet will be able to make additional recommendations.