Our Medical Monday post features our gorgeous Midas, who unfortunately is currently enduring heartworm treatment. Numerous dogs that come into rescue are heartworm positive, so we just want to share a few facts about heartworm:
> It is easily preventable.
> Any dog can get it from mosquitoes in the area, regardless if your dog is inside most of the time (we all know those pesky little bugs can get inside your home).
> It only takes ONE bite from a mosquito to infect a dog.
> It takes six-seven months for the larvae injected by the mosquito to develop into heartworms.
> The treatment is painful for the dog.
> The dog's activity is extremely restricted for months during.
For these reasons, we want to stress the importance of using heartworm prevention. It is an inexpensive way to eliminate your dog from having to suffer unnecessarily. We advise you to talk to your vet about the best option for your pup. As an additional reminder, heartworm tests completed by veterinarians are used to ensure your dog is not infected, these are not to be perceived as the prevention the dog needs. If your dog tests positive, then they must go through the treatment, which could have been prevented.
As you know, we will not turn a dog away based on medical needs. If you are able donate to Midas' care, please click on the donate link below or through our website at dudobes.org.
Thank you!