South Carolina ranks sixth in the nation for the number of heartworm positive dogs the state sees each year, according to the American Heartworm Society.
Mosquitos transmit the disease and one area veterinarian tells News13 she believes most mosquitos in the area are carriers.
She also said because we are located in a tropical environment, the mosquito population can get out of control and she anticipates seeing an increased number of cases in the wake of Hurricane Florence.
“I always say you need to prevent flea infestations by giving a flea prevention, but you really need to remember that there are heartworms out there in the mosquito population,” Laurel Berger-Bishop, veterinarian at VCA Palmetto Animal Hospital said.
The Grand Strand Humane Society is currently treating about 20 dogs who are heartworm positive and Executive Direction Jess Wnuk says the treatment can cost about $1,000 per dog and puts a strain on their resources.
“”Unfortunately it seems there are more and more dogs coming in who are heartworm positive that we are having to treat,” Wnuk said.
To make a donation to the Grand Strand Humane Society, click here.