Heartworm in Nashville will be higher in 2021: 5 things you can do to protect your dog
Every year, the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) publishes a report of its findings on how high heartworm and Lyme disease cases will be for the new year.
And 2021 looks like a big one. As in one for the records.
Image Credit: CAPC
According to their latest report, the predictions of heartworm disease will be higher than average in the south, particularly along the Mississippi River.
Although Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks, will keep within the trends, the CAPC expects heartworm to reach alarming transmission levels.
That means all of Nashville and the state of Tennessee are sitting right inside the hotspot zone for this year, with a forecasted infection rate of 6.3%.
Image credit: Pet Disease Alerts
Why is heartworm higher this year?
Mosquitoes spread heartworm, and with the amount of rain it has fallen so far this year, the predictions could be right on point.
Standing bodies of water and high heat are the two primary ingredients that mosquitoes need to reproduce. To that combination, you add the increased number of people venturing out with their pets into nature because of the pandemic, and you end up with the right recipe for an impending outbreak in 2021.
What you can do to prepare
There are several steps you can follow to prevent your friend from catching this deadly (yet highly preventable) disease:
Use Heartworm prevention pills and test your pet every year. Performed by a veterinarian, this test is a fraction of the cost you will end up paying to treat heartworm disease ($45-$50 versus $700-$800).
Use mosquito-repellant shampoo during mosquito season. Always opt for high-quality formulas (all-natural or organic) infused with oils like peppermint or tea tree. These will also help keep ticks and fleas away from your pet -- win-win! Whichever you choose, make sure you stay away from harmful chemicals typically added to regular shampoos and never use dishwashing or human-grade soaps.
Check before you go. Keep out of standing bodies of water. Just because your pet is covered in hair does not mean they cannot be bit by mosquitoes. During your adventures into nature, keep an eye out for mosquito zones and move away if you see them flying around your pet. Check alert maps and plan your trip safely.
Reduce outings. Keeping your pet inside when you are not watching is a sure-fire way to prevent getting bit.
Eliminate ponding water from your surroundings. Check containers and planters around your house. Even if you live in an apartment complex, be sure to tilt over any containers and dump dirty, standing water.
Following these simple tips can help prevent your dog or cat from suffering from this life-threatening disease. Protecting your pet during this season should be your top priority.
Resources:
Are you planning an adventure with your pet? Get him/her ready before you go with our RepelX Bath. This full-body treatment prevents bites and irritation from nature's pesky friends.