As pet parents, we cherish the companionship and joy our furry family members bring into our lives, especially as we eagerly anticipate sunnier days and outdoor adventures. For pet owners, embarking on summer road trips or vacations to the cabin often involves bringing along our furry companions. However, these environments can hide parasites that pose a threat to your pet’s health.
At our clinic, your pet’s health and happiness are our top priorities. An integral part of this commitment is regular testing for heartworm and Lyme disease. These parasites, though preventable, can be serious and impact your pet’s well-being.
Heartworm disease can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, organ damage and can be fatal if untreated.
Lyme disease can lead to fever, joint swelling, and kidney failure. Early detection is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
Heartworm, primarily spread through mosquito bites, mostly affects dogs but can also impact cats. Unfortunately, symptoms like persistent coughing, not wanting to exercise, decreased appetite and weight loss often are not noticeable until the disease is well advanced. Recognizing these signs and taking preventive measures are crucial steps in protecting our beloved pets.
Similarly, Lyme disease, spread through the bite of ticks, can have serious impacts on our pet’s health.
While heartworm is more common in warmer regions like southern Ontario and Okanogan in BC, Lyme disease can be found in six out of ten Canadian provinces, including Manitoba, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
These are the number of cases reported in Ontario, Canada, up until May 2024, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) at capcvet.org.
- Lyme: 8,673 positive cases of 249,401 total tested
- Heartworm: 763 positive cases of 296707 total tested
Since the risk of heartworm and Lyme disease changes depending on where you live and the environment. Getting your pet checked every year ensures they get the right care for their individual needs. Even if your pet stays indoors, mosquitoes and ticks can still find them, so it is important to tailor preventive measures to keep them healthy and happy.
Making sure your pet gets checked regularly for heartworm and Lyme disease is an essential part of being a responsible pet owner. By staying proactive and vigilant, we can protect our furry companions from these preventable illnesses, ensuring they lead healthy and fulfilling lives by our side.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your pet’s yearly heartworm and Lyme disease testing today to ensure they remain healthy and happy. Your pet’s health is our priority, and together, we can keep them safe from these dangerous parasites.
Source: https://capcvet.org/maps/#/2023/all-year/ehrlichiosis/dog/canaa
