Castle Rock Veterinarian Brekke Veterinary Clinic Reminds Pet Owners About Heartworm Risk During Heartworm Awareness Month

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., April 23, 2017 -- April is Heartworm Awareness Month for pets and Brekke Veterinary Clinic of Castle Rock is taking this opportunity to remind area pet owners about the risks and hazards of heartworm. These risks can become particularly pronounced during the spring season when mosquitoes become more active. 

Dogs, in particular, are at high risk for heartworm, and the disease is fatal for many of them if left untreated. An estimated one million dogs in the U.S. currently have heartworm disease, according to the American Heartworm Society. Heartworm is also a threat to cats who venture outdoors.

Heartworms are spread by infected mosquitoes, and they take residence within the hearts, lungs and pulmonary arteries of animals that have been bitten. The worms can grow up to one foot long and multiply within the body. Heartworm can eventually lead to heart failure as well as damage to the other organs in the body.

Fortunately, heartworm is preventable. If detected after it has spread, the pet will require extensive treatment including X-rays, vaccinations, and close monitoring of their progress. However, the prevention of heartworm disease can be as simple as giving pets a monthly medication.

Most pet owners find heartworm prevention costs to be a small price to pay for their pet’s health and safety. By contrast, treating an advanced case of heartworm can be costly in terms of the pet’s suffering and loss of quality of life.

It is essential to stay on top of heartworm prevention in dogs and cats. Again, the spring season is “heartworm season,” but infected mosquitoes can potentially strike pets any time of the year, especially in temperate climates.      

Castle Rock Veterinarian Brekke Veterinary Clinic carries a number of effective solutions for heartworm prevention, including Interceptor® Plus monthly flavored tablets. A simple heartworm blood test is recommended annually for early detection. In addition to heartworm prevention, Brekke Veterinary Clinic also provides a full suite of veterinary services including full exams, preventative care, surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, dentistry, emergency care, and more.

Head Veterinarian Dr. Jay Brekke, DVM says, “We know that people regard their pets as members of the family, and we treat every animal with care and respect. Heartworm is a very serious issue, and we encourage all pet owners to take the easy steps required to help prevent it. April is Heartworm Awareness Month, so this is the perfect time to promote awareness about this important pet health issue.”

Those in the public who wish to learn more about the services available at Brekke Veterinary Clinic, or those who wish to book an appointment, may do so by calling (303) 474-4260. Additional information about the practice can also be accessed on their website at http://brekkevet.com/.

Brekke Veterinary Clinic 
856 W Happy Canyon Rd #120 
Castle Rock, CO 80108
(303) 474-4260