{"id":1489,"date":"2025-04-10T00:04:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T04:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/florida-fort-myers\/?p=1489"},"modified":"2025-04-11T20:08:11","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T00:08:11","slug":"april-is-heartworm-awareness-month-protect-your-dog-from-this-silent-threat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/florida-fort-myers\/april-is-heartworm-awareness-month-protect-your-dog-from-this-silent-threat\/","title":{"rendered":"April is Heartworm Awareness Month: Protect Your Dog from This Silent Threat"},"content":{"rendered":"

April is Heartworm Awareness Month, an important time to raise awareness about a dangerous and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs across the country. At Dogtopia of Fort Myers<\/a>, we\u2019re committed to keeping our pups safe, healthy, and happy\u2014which is why we want to help you understand the risks of heartworm disease and how to protect your furry family member.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected dogs. Left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and even death. The good news? It\u2019s 100% preventable.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Heartworm Disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Heartworm disease<\/a> is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once a dog is bitten, the larvae mature into adult heartworms that can grow up to a foot long and cause serious damage to the heart and lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Florida\u2019s warm, humid climate makes it a year-round risk zone for mosquitoes, which means prevention isn\u2019t just a seasonal concern\u2014it\u2019s something pet parents should be vigilant about all year long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs and Symptoms of Heartworm Disease<\/b><\/h2>\n

In the early stages, heartworm disease may show few or no symptoms. As the disease progresses, signs can include:<\/span><\/p>\n