Raising Heartworm Awareness
Since April is Heartworm Awareness Month, it's a great opportunity to educate pet owners about the seriousness of the disease, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease, which can be fatal, is caused by foot-long heartworms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of affected pets. If not treated, it can cause severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs. The great news is that the risk of your pet getting heartworm disease can be significantly reduced by putting your dog or cat on a monthly regimen of oral preventatives. The cost of the medication is significantly lower than the cost of treatment should your pet contract the disease.
Henrico Humane Society tests animals for heartworm disease prior to transferring them into our care. If they test positive for the disease, we start treatment as soon as possible and place them in a foster home where they can recover in a quiet and controlled environment.
If an animal tests negative, we start them on heartworm preventative and we require our adopters to commit to continuing the monthly regimen.
How can you Help?
Make a donation to cover the cost of heartworm treatment, which can be over $250, or to buy preventatives. Just click the button below!
Become a “medical” foster. If you’re not able to make a long-term commitment to fostering, consider just fostering animals receiving medical treatment for conditions like heartworm disease. These animals require a quiet and calm environment, and a watchful foster parent, for up to 60 days. If needed, the dog or cat can be transferred to a different foster home after recovering. Interested? Just visit our website to complete a foster application.
Adopt! Sweet Beatrice, a 3-year-old beagle mix, has fully recovered from heartworm treatment and is now available for adoption. Check out her bio to learn more about this wonderful dog with a loving disposition and gentle demeanor who is looking for her forever home.
Buster, Lady and Bones are all recent heartworm-positive success stories of dogs that are now living their best lives in loving, forever homes!
