Heartworm Cases Are Rising in Northern Colorado—Is Your Dog Protected?

Every dog owner in Northern Colorado wants to ensure that their dogs are healthy and happy. As a dog owner myself, I always make my dog Lucy's health a major priority in my life. In fact, I probably consider her health more than my own.

The Pill That’s Protecting My Dog from Fleas, Ticks—And More

I went to a veterinary appointment for Lucy this week, and she is now taking a monthly pill that will make her safer. It is a pill that helps not only with fleas and ticks, but it also assists with heartworms.

READ MORE: Colorado Dog Known as 'One Eyed Hero' Gets Statue

Are Heartworms Really a Threat in Northern Colorado?

Heartworms and dogs? Is that really a problem in Northern Colorado? How significant is it? These are all questions I have been asking myself for the past couple of months. By the way, I am new to dog ownership. I am learning the ropes.

A Rise in Heartworm Cases Reported in Northern Colorado

Neighbors, friends, and experts have been telling me that they have been seeing more heartworm cases in Northern Colorado lately.

What Are Heartworms—and Why Are They Dangerous?

Heartworms in dogs are parasitic worms that live in a dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They are spread through mosquito bites. If not treated, heartworms could cause health complications and even death.

READ MORE: Sweet Dog in Northern Colorado Has Spent 70 Days at NOCO Humane

Vets and CSU Confirm Growing Heartworm Risk in the Region

My vet told me there has been an uptick in cases here in Northern Colorado. Colorado State University confirms that there has been a rise in heartworm cases in dogs in the region.

Although heartworm was once considered a disease of the South, climate change, travel, and shifting mosquito habitats have made it a growing concern in Colorado.

Colorado State recommends getting your pets checked regularly for heartworms and providing them with prevention medicine.