Its that time of year again to protect your pets from heartworms. Mosquitoes transmit heartworms from dog to dog in the spring, so it is time to get your pet into a Veterinarian and tested for heartworms. To start your pet on prevention, a veterinarian will draw blood and run a test. If the test is negative they can start on heartworm prevention such as HeartGard. Prevention for your pets should start around April 1st to December 1st. Here at Palmer Animal Hospital we believe year-round prevention is best for two reasons. First, if the prevention is stopped for the winter,  your pet will have to be tested every year.   If your pet is on year-round prevention they will be tested every other year.  Secondly, if your pet stays on heartworm prevention year-round, it is easier to remember to give it every month and you are less likely to forget the medication. Prevention is definitely recommended instead of treatment.   Heartworm treatment may be long and painful. dogs and cats of all ages are susceptible. Heartworms spend their adult life in an animals heart or pulmonary arteries, could cause right-sided  heart failure. Signs can vary from nothing at all to persistent cough, fatigue, fainting, and weight loss. Heartworms are serious and can be fatal. So bring your pet into your veterinary hospital and get your pet tested for heartworms.