Symptoms: the visible signs include coughing, labored breathing, weakness and rapid tiring, however it can be in an advanced stage before any symptoms appear.

Prevention is as simple as a blood test to insure there is no microfilariae present and then a monthly or daily chewable tablet, depending on the owner's preference.

treatment: depending on the severity, can be costly and requires hospitalization for careful monitoring. The tiny immature heartworms (microfilariae) are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, where they move through tissues until they reach the heart, the worms grow to a length of 12" and reproduce releasing more immature worms into bloodstream. The adults collect in the right heart chambers, blocking the flow of blood from the heart, reducing blood flow to the liver, kidneys and lungs, the result if left untreated, is congestive failure of the heart and other organs and ultimately death.

Be sure your pet is heart worm tested and is on preventative as one mosquito bite is all it takes. Also ask your veterinarian about the new heartworm test for felines.

Special tips:

• Never leave in crate more hours than pup is months old plus 1.

• What goes in comes out, pups need about one cup of water for every 8 lbs of body weight, offer it 3 - 5x a day.

• If still thirsty but it's not time for water offer ice cubes. Use common sense if it's very hot adjust water and schedule accordingly.

• Feed dry food, better for teeth and easier. Changing foods upset the stomach and cause diarrhea, if you must change food make a gradual change.

• Feed 3 times a day until 5 months of age, 2 meals after that.

• If a mistake happens use a odor eliminator which breaks down the enzymes in urine so they don't return to that spot. Never use ammonia (a major component of urine).

• Focus on the correct eliminations, don't yell if caught in the act and never rub their nose, that only teaches a new problem, owner absent elimination.