Why Heartworm Testing is Crucial This July | Express Vets Cumming
Summer in Cumming, Georgia, means hot, humid days, longer evenings, and plenty of time spent outdoors. While we enjoy the sunshine, these conditions create a perfect storm for a silent but deadly threat to our pets — heartworm disease. At Express Vets Cumming, we are dedicated to protecting your pets, which is why we emphasize the importance of heartworm testing, especially during the intense July heat.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms living in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, it picks up microscopic baby worms called microfilariae. These develop into infective larvae inside the mosquito and are then passed on to the next host it bites.
Georgia’s warm climate, particularly in summer, provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, making pets in our region especially vulnerable. While heartworm disease is most commonly associated with dogs, cats and even ferrets can also be at risk.
Why July is a Peak Risk Month
July’s combination of high temperatures, humidity, and standing water from summer rains creates an explosion in mosquito populations. This increase significantly elevates the chances of your pet being bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae.
Additionally, the life cycle of heartworms is highly dependent on temperature. Warmer weather accelerates the development of the larvae within the mosquito, allowing them to become infectious more quickly. That means more mosquitoes, more bites, and a higher probability of transmission during the peak of summer.
Because of this elevated risk, July is an optimal time to test your pets for heartworm. Regular testing ensures that any infection is caught early before severe damage to the heart and lungs occurs.
The Dangers of Delaying Testing
Heartworm disease often progresses silently. In the early stages, dogs may show little to no symptoms, but as the disease advances, signs such as coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and difficulty breathing can appear. By then, the damage may be severe and irreversible.
Cats, on the other hand, may display signs like vomiting, coughing, and asthma-like symptoms, but they can also suffer sudden collapse or even death from heartworm-related complications. Since there is no approved treatment for heartworm in cats, prevention and early detection are crucial.
Skipping annual or bi-annual testing can result in a missed diagnosis, putting your pet’s life at risk. Treating advanced heartworm disease is not only costly but also stressful for both pets and their owners.
Why Choose Express Vets Cumming for Heartworm Testing
At Express Vets Cumming, we offer quick, affordable, and thorough heartworm testing as part of our commitment to keeping your pets healthy year-round. Our experienced team provides personalized recommendations for prevention based on your pet’s lifestyle and health status.
We use reliable diagnostic tools to detect heartworm infections early, ensuring that if treatment is necessary, it can begin promptly. Plus, with the abundance of mosquitoes this July, knowing your pet’s heartworm status provides peace of mind while you enjoy summer activities together.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Alongside regular testing, consistent use of heartworm preventatives is essential. These medications, prescribed by your veterinarian, can stop heartworm larvae from maturing into dangerous adult worms. Whether it’s monthly oral tablets, topical solutions, or annual injections, Express Vets Cumming can help you choose the best preventive option for your pet.
Don’t wait for symptoms to show — protect your furry family member today. Schedule your pet’s heartworm test with Express Vets Cumming by calling (470) 239-7672 us or booking online at . Let’s ensure your pet enjoys a safe, healthy summer!
