Did you know that ferrets are susceptible to heartworm disease in much the same way as dogs and cats? If you own a ferret then you should talk to your vet Newport Beach, CA about heartworm disease, how it affects your ferret, and what you can do to protect your ferret. Heartworms are foot-long worms that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your ferret. Unlike dogs, a single heartworm can cause severe damage to ferrets. Thankfully, there is a heartworm prevention program available for ferrets similar to the program available to dogs and cats. Talk to your vet about placing your ferret on a prevention program. Your vet will most likely conduct a blood test first to verify that your ferret is free of heartworms. He will then start your ferret on monthly oral medication to prevent heartworms. Prevention is the best form of protection for your ferret. Learn more here.