April is Heartworm Awareness Month

Written By AVMC

Spring is in the air! Birds are chirping and the weather is finally warming up. But with the pleasant weather comes the return of pesky mosquitoes—and with them, the risk of heartworm disease. That’s why April is designated as Heartworm Awareness Month, a crucial time to remind pet owners about the importance of prevention. (CUVS, 2025) .

While heartworm is less common in the Yukon due to the colder climate, it’s crucial to remind owners that are planning on traveling with their pet this spring and summer about mosquitoes and potential for heartworm disease. Alpine Veterinary Medical Centre can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding heartworm prevention strategy for your pet.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected animals. Mosquitoes transmit these worms. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic heartworm larvae. Then, when that mosquito bites another animal (your dog or cat), it transmits those larvae.

In dogs, heartworms can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs. Cats are also susceptible, though the disease manifests differently. Even a few heartworms can cause significant damage to a pet’s lungs. (Canadian Veterinary Medical Association , 2025)

(PetMD, 2024)

Why Prevention is Key

Heartworm disease is preventable, but not curable in all cases, especially when the disease is advanced. Treatment for dogs can be expensive, lengthy, and can have serious side effects. For cats, there is no approved treatment for heartworms, making prevention even more critical.

How to Protect Your Pets

  • Consult Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian can recommend the best preventive medication for your pet based on their age, breed, and health. They can also answer any questions you may have about heartworm disease.

  • Year-Round Prevention: Heartworm prevention should be administered year-round if your pet is staying in a mosquito infested location, even in areas where mosquitoes are less prevalent during the winter months.

  • Regular Testing: Annual heartworm testing is essential, even if your pet is on preventive medication. This ensures that your pet is heartworm-free.

  • Types of Prevention: Heartworm preventives come in various forms, including chewable tablets, topical treatments. Discuss the best option for your pet with your vet. Note: At Alpine Vet, we only carry chewable tablets.

  • Be Aware of Symptoms: While prevention is key, it’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of heartworm disease. In dogs, these can include a persistent cough, lethargy, decreased appetite, and difficulty breathing. In cats, symptoms can be more subtle and may include coughing, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

(Canadian Veterinary Medical Association , 2025)

Spread the Word!

Heartworm Awareness Month is a great time to share information with other pet owners. Encourage friends and family to get their pets tested and start them on a preventive program. By working together, we can help protect our beloved animals from this serious disease.

Please take the time to schedule a vet visit and ensure your furry friends are adequately protected. A little prevention goes a long way in keeping their hearts healthy and happy!

References:

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association . (2025). Heartworm. From Canadian Veterinary Medical Association : https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/related-resources/heartworm/

CUVS. (2025). April is National Heartworm Awareness Month! From Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: https://www.cuvs.org/blog/april_national_heartworm_awareness_month

PetMD. (2024, July 28). Heartworm cycle. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/heartworm-disease-in-dogs

AVMC
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