Since 2019, when Overland Park was ranked as the #1 hotspot for heartworm disease in the country, we've emphasized the importance of year round heartworm prevention in the Kansas City metro. Spring is an especially important season to be vigilant with your pets. Heartworm disease is primarily transferred to pets by misquotes, who are extremely active in the spring and summer months. However a number of local and environmental factors can, and has, contributed to the increase in heartworm disease in the KCK area.
Why is Kansas City one of the metros with the highest heartworm rates in pets?
In short, the Kansas City metro is one of many heartworm hotspots in the United States. The problem is most prevalent in the South, however most metro areas are experiencing increasing heartworm disease rates. What makes Kansas City unique, is what our area was once most known for: Being a major travel hub.
Traveling pets is one of the biggest concerns among health experts. A large portion of this "travel" involves shelter pets that are being transported long distances. According to experts, most counties that have shelters that accept these pets have the highest heartworm disease rates. Giving these pets a new chance at adoption is noble and important, however we should ensure that all animals are being treated for heartworm disease before they travel to a new shelter.
Local factors make Kansas City a hotspot as well. Our (sometimes extremely) hot summers can rapidly spread heartworm disease. After especially rainy days, mosquitoes can be found everywhere. All that has to happen for the disease to spread is one infected dog suffering a mosquito bite. As that mosquito continues to bite other animals, the infection spreads. As the number one carrier of heartworm disease, it's important to note that even indoor pets are vulnerable. Pest control around the home will help to minimize the risks for indoor pets, but all pets should receive preventative heartworm medication in environments like this.
There is a helpful map that provides a state-wide forecast for heartworm and a few other infectious diseases: https://petdiseasealerts.org/forecast-map/#/.
How can I keep my pet safe from heartworm disease?
Fortunately, there is an annual preventative that can be administered to all pets. Also, if your pet contracts heartworm disease, there is treatment available. Treatment for an infected pet is fairly intensive, lasting up to 12 months. In the first 30 days the goal is to kill larva found inside the pet, while days 60-90 involve injections. After 120 days a test will be run that sure find no more issues in your pet, however a final test will be done 12 months after the first diagnosis to make sure that the pet tests negative.
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