Lake Oconee Humane Society

OUR APRIL HAVE A HEART CAMPAIGN IS BACK!

The Lake Oconee Humane Society (LOHS) is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals and fostering a compassionate community year-round. We provide shelter, food, medical treatment, low-cost spay/neuter and support for animals in need, and we are working to educate the community about responsible pet ownership. 

Every April, pet owners, veterinarians, and animal welfare organizations, including LOHS, observe Heartworm Awareness Month. Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and other mammals.  To help fight this insidious disease, LOHS is back with their Have a Heart campaign to drive community awareness of heartworm prevention and support the ongoing medical needs of pets in our care.

Help LOHS raise $12,500 in the month of April to unlock a $12,500 Match!

You can donate any amount now until April 30!

We cannot do what we do without the support of compassionate individuals like you! 

Unfortunately, each year between 5 and 15 animals arrive at LOHS infected with heartworms.  

Candy (pictured) arrived at the shelter in November and unfortunately was heartworm positive.  Candy is an energetic young adult and a very sweet girl.  She’s just finished her heartworm treatments and has found her furever home where she should live a long and healthy life thanks to the treatment LOHS was able to provide -- made possible by previous LOHS Have a Heart campaigns.  

The Role of Heartworm Awareness Month

Heartworm disease occurs when infected mosquitoes bite pets, depositing heartworm larvae into their bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms that reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to severe health complications, including heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

The symptoms of heartworm disease vary depending on the severity of the infection. In dogs, common symptoms include persistent cough, fatigue after mild activity, weight loss, decreased appetite, swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation.  Cats, on the other hand, may show symptoms such as coughing or asthma-like attacks, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, or collapse.

Preventing heartworm disease is far easier and less expensive than treating an infection. LOHS strongly advocates for pet owners to work closely with their veterinarians to develop a year-round heartworm prevention plan. Preventative medications are available in various forms, including oral tablets, topical solutions, and injectable options. Regular veterinary check-ups and annual heartworm testing are essential to ensure pets remain protected.  Treating heartworm costs upwards of $1000, but annual testing and medications are a fraction of the cost.

Heartworm Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder for pet owners to stay vigilant in protecting their furry companions. As a responsible pet owner, take proactive steps to safeguard your pets from heartworm disease. Schedule regular veterinary visits, maintain consistent heartworm prevention, and educate others about the dangers of this disease. 

Will you consider a donation today to help us unlock a $12,500 match?

DONATE TODAY UNTIL APRIL 30 TO HELP US UNLOCK THE MATCH! 

To learn more about our work and to see animals available for adoption, please go to www.lohspets.org  or follow us on social media. 

LOHS is a non-profit animal welfare organization serving Greene, Putnam, and surrounding counties. We are dedicated to reducing pet homelessness and helping pets and their caregivers have the best quality of life available. Our programs of rescue & adoption, pet food distribution, low-cost spay/neuter, education, training, and limited financial assistance for medical treatments are how we improve the quality of life of our pets and community. With a very limited staff, we utilize more than 150 volunteers to help run our shelter and programs. You can help by donating monetarily or by donating your valuable time and talents.