Dear Wendy:  We heard the sad news about Nigella last night and we're all confused about why she had to suffer from heartworms.  Aren't they preventable, Wendy?  Thanks for your help.  Your Roomies

 

Dear Roomies:  Yes, heartworms are preventable if people will simply care enough to give their pets their prevention each month. 

Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos (when a mosquito bites an infected animal, it then carries the parasite to an uninfected animal on its next bite). While heartworm disease is treatable through your veterinarian, it is quite expensive and there are risks involved.  Prevention given monthly is much more cost effective, and can be purchased at your vet's office after your animal receives a simple blood test. Heartworms can infect both dogs and cats.  In this warm climate, it is also recommended that pets be given prevention year-round.  Readers, please don't take a chance.  Consult your veterinarian to keep your pets healthy and happy.  We hope Nigella's suffering and death will not be in vain ~ please learn from this senseless loss.  Lots of love, Wendy

Rest in Peace our sweet Nigella. We miss you so...