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In honor of Heartworm Awareness Month, we would like to highlight our heartworm positive dogs. Lana, Riley, Bell, Nadine, Bruno and Goldie are currently in treatment. Brigette and Abby have completed treatment but are still looking for their forever families. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition in dogs caused by parasitic worms. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected dogs, and can cause severe damage to the cardiovascular system. Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Prevention is the key to avoiding heartworm disease. The most effective method is through regular administration of heartworm preventatives. It’s important for dogs to receive monthly preventatives year-round, even in areas where mosquitoes are less common during colder months. Regular testing for heartworms (usually annually) is also recommended to detect any potential infection early, especially if the dog has missed doses of the preventative. Heartworm disease is more prevalent in the southern United States, where TLC pulls most of our dogs from, due to a combination of environmental factors that make it easier for mosquitoes to thrive and spread the infection. Additionally, preventatives and testing are less commonly used by residents to care for their dogs. Heartworm treatment is a lengthy and costly process. In total, the process takes about four months and costs TLC between $350-$750 depending on the size of the dog. After a month of antibiotics and a month of rest, the dog will receive an injection into their back muscles to kill the adult worms. Since the worms can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs, dogs must rest and limit physical activity following the injection in order to avoid complications like embolism (blockages caused by dead worms). After a month of rest, the dog will receive another injection (or 2 in severe cases), followed by another month of crate rest. Follow-up testing will determine if the treatment was successful or needs to be repeated. TLC makes a commitment to all of our dogs, regardless of heartworm status when they arrive to us. While the process sounds daunting, it’s really a matter of keeping the dog calm throughout treatment, and sedatives are often given to help dogs who are naturally more active. If you wish to adopt one of our heartworm positive dogs before they’re done treatment, TLC will continue to pay for the treatment at their current vet location and assist with any questions you have throughout the remainder of their treatment. Fundraising efforts, such as Raffles for Ruffs, are how we afford to treat our heartworm positive dogs. If you would like to support our efforts you can buy tickets on our website through April 13th. The event will be broadcast on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 7pm – 9pm EST. As always, we can’t do what we do without your support. On behalf of our heartworm positive dogs, we thank you for that continued support.
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