{"id":26,"date":"2026-04-16T14:42:26","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T18:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etowahanimalhospital.com\/blog\/?p=26"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T18:43:40","slug":"heartworm-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etowahanimalhospital.com\/blog\/heartworm-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Heartworm Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The American Heartworm Society has designated April as National Heartworm Awareness Month<\/a> to help educate and raise awareness about heartworms in pets and proper preventive care. As temperatures rise and mosquitoes become more active, every pet owner should know that the risk of heartworm disease increases. Taking preventive steps becomes more important during the springtime and monsoon season. If you\u2019ve ever wondered what heartworm is and how to prevent it, here\u2019s what you need to know to keep your pets safe year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Heartworm?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm disease, also known as canine heartworm disease (HWD), is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms. These worms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito carrying Dirofilaria immitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once inside the body, heartworms will grow and live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected animals, including dogs, cats, and even ferrets. Heartworms can survive for 5 to 7 years while silently causing damage over time without showing symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, heartworms can:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n