Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a parasite that lives in the heart and blood vessels of dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. When an infected mosquito bites an animal, it deposits tiny larvae under the animal's skin. The larvae migrate through the animal's body, eventually reaching the heart and blood vessels, where they mature into adult worms. Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long and can live for several years.

Heartworm disease can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

* Coughing

* Difficulty breathing

* Lethargy

* Weight loss

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Seizures

* Sudden death

Heartworm disease can be prevented with monthly heartworm preventive medication. Several different types of heartworm preventive medications are available, so talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your pet.

In addition to monthly heartworm preventive medication, you can also protect your pet from heartworm disease by:

* Keeping your pet indoors as much as possible

* Using insect repellent when outdoors

* Removing standing water from around your home

* Having your pet tested for heartworm disease annually

If your pet is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment will depend on the severity of the infection. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications to kill the adult worms and prevent the larvae from developing into adult worms. Treatment can be expensive and time-consuming, and in some cases, it may be fatal.

Heartworm disease is a serious threat to the health of dogs, cats, and ferrets, but it can be prevented with monthly heartworm preventive medication. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about heartworm disease and how you can protect your pet.