WWNO skyline header graphic
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Local Newscast
Hear the latest from the WWNO/WRKF Newsroom.

Support local, independent journalism on WWNO with your Member Fest gift now! Click the donate button or Call 844-790-1094.

Animal Life: Protect Against A Broken Heart

O.Guero
/
Shutterstock

Valentine's Day means candy hearts, heart shaped cards and... heartworms?

Infected mosquitos transmit these parasites to your pet's bloodstream. Heartworm disease is most common in dogs, but can also affect cats. It causes coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and, if left untreated, is fatal. Heartworms are difficult and expensive to treat, but easy and affordable to prevent with a monthly pill. If you're a dog or cat owner, make sure to protect your pet.

This disease also causes major problems for dogs and cats in animal shelters. An animal infected with heartworms is far less likely to be adopted. All they need is a few months of treatment, but that takes money. So this Valentine's Day, why not show some love to shelter animals?

Here are links to some local heartworm treatment funds:

Donate to LASPCA
Donate to Jefferson Parish SPCA
Donate to Plaquemines Animal Welfare Society
For information on other local animal shelters, see our directory.

👋 Looks like you could use more news. Sign up for our newsletters.

* indicates required
New Orleans Public Radio News
New Orleans Public Radio Info