April, 2002: Are you travelling with your pet this summer?
by Dr. Shelagh Hislop

Point form Summary
Heartworm disease!

- transmitted by mosquitoes during hot weather
- easy to prevent; very difficult to treat & life threatening side-effects
- geographical incidence in hot, humid places during summer time
- Southeastern Canada & Okanagan Valley, BC plus Southern & Eastern U.S.A.

- Easy Safe Prevention:
1. once/month pill
2. an application to the skin once/month

See more in-depth explanations of these medications here or ask your veterinarian.

Heartworm is a complicated parasite. As far as we can tell at this point, Vancouver Island is not a geographical area of concern with regards to the transmission of this worm via mosquitoes. However, we are all keeping our eyes and ears open for any changes that may occur. Considering global climate changes that are being reported, heartworm disease may become a larger risk in more and more areas of North America and elsewhere.