American Heartworm Society survey reveals new incidence trends

From Baton Rouge to Boston to San Antonio and Seattle, heartworms pose a serious health threat to the nation’s four-legged family members. According to a recent survey conducted by the American Heartworm Society (AHS), every U.S. state has pets with heartworms. But while states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas have consistently had high heartworm rates, veterinarians participating in the survey reported that infections are also on the rise in unexpected locales like Washington, North Dakota, and Massachusetts.

Influx of heartworm-positive dogs and lack of prevention compliance cited as leading factors

APEX, NC – A first glance at the 2022 Heartworm Incidence Map from the American Heartworm Society (AHS) might suggest that heartworm rates have stayed steady over the past three years.Dig a little deeper, however, and it’s clear that rates have continued to trend upward in both heartworm “hot spots” and in locales where heartworm cases were once rare.

The bad news: Heartworm disease can be fatal to dogs, cats, and ferrets. 
The good news: You can protect your pet from this disease.

Heartworms can infect your pet year-round and preventing them is much easier, and healthier, for your pet than getting heartworms in the first place or treating heartworm disease afterward. Year-round prevention is key to keeping your pet heartworm free.

American Heartworm Society also announces new officers, board members

 NEW ORLEANS — From exploring novel ways to prevent heartworm disease to finding strategies to facilitate earlier heartworm diagnosis to discussing the challenge of treating heartworm-positive pets in animal shelter and community health settings, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) 17^th Triennial Heartworm Symposium covered a gamut of heartworm research and clinical topics. Meanwhile, the AHS membership elected a new slate of board members and the organization’s first female—and youngest—president.

Early registration for September 8-11 th conference in New Orleans ends July 15th

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month! To make sure all dogs are protected from this serious disease, Dr. Simoneau has provided some valuable information for you and your pets.

EDWARDSVILLE – As social distancing restrictions continue to lift and the weather finally starts to warm up, we’ll be spending more time outdoors and in public with our furry friends. But every time you visit the dog park with your pooch, bring them to the local farmer’s market, or even play catch in the backyard, you could be putting your pet’s health at risk if they’re not fully protected against heartworm disease.

Paola Domínguez-López has always been passionate about animals. Her big dream as a child was to be able to care for animals in need, especially those who don’t have a home to call their own. 

Her parents helped foster her love of animals through agriculture programs like 4-H. As time went on, Paola realized that veterinary medicine was the right choice for her, eventually enrolling in the Veterinary Nursing Program in St. Petersburg College. 

While studying to become a veterinary nurse, she also began volunteering for animal shelters. This eventually lead to a job at a local animal hospital, where she eventually became a vet tech.

She now combines her nursing skills and her passion for shelter animals by working her dream job at University of Florida Small Animal Hospital. She currently works in the Veterinary Community Outreach Program of the shelter medicine department. This allows her to help shelter animals in need while doing the job she loves.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends pets be tested annually and protected year-round

Heartworm, Lyme, and other vector-borne diseases are expected to pose higher-than-average risk this year, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reports.

The group has released its 2022 Pet Parasite Forecast and corresponding 30-day Pet Parasite Forecast maps, alerting veterinarians and pet owners of impending outbreaks across the U.S.

Cats are known to have a penchant for biting and scratching, but even the most fierce feline can be docile and affectionate when they’re feeling right. Like humans, cats need routine veterinary care to keep their wellness in check.