Panucho, Puerto Morelos' Unofficial Mascot, Fights Back from Heartworm Disease

Panucho, Puerto Morelos' beloved street dog, is on the mend after a scary health episode that had the whole community worried.

 

The unofficial mascot of our town is now getting the treatment he needs, thanks to neighbors who rallied together to help.

 

A Frightening Morning at Local Cafe

 

A couple of weeks ago, Panucho collapsed at Local Cafe, where he's a regular morning visitor. Staff members found him breathing heavily with his legs shaking. It looked like a seizure.

 

The cafe team went to notify his owner, but when no one came for over an hour, they had to call animal protection services.

 

Since that frightening day, Panucho hasn't been making his usual rounds through town. Our food loving friend who once started every morning stealing cat food at Local has been staying home, living a quieter life while he recovers.

 

The Diagnosis: Heartworm Disease

 

The diagnosis turned out to be heartworm disease, a serious parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes.

 

According to veterinary experts, heartworm is common in warm climates like ours where mosquitoes thrive year round. The parasites live in a dog's heart and lungs, and without treatment, the disease can be fatal.

 

Panucho's family has limited funds for veterinary care, which is where the Puerto Morelos community stepped in.

 

Community Comes Together

 

When word got out about his condition, neighbors immediately organized a fundraising effort.

 

The initial goal was 9,160 pesos to cover treatment supplies, medications, and special food to help him lose weight and recover.

 

Within days, the community reached that goal. Pet Lovers veterinary clinic is overseeing Panucho's treatment, and Animal Welfare is monitoring his progress.

 

Donations For Future Care

 

If you would like to donate, right now the best way is in person at Pet Lovers Vetenaria, where Panucho is getting treated.

 

They are at the corner of Timon and Venado in La Colonia. Be sure you tell them it is for Panucho's recovery fund.

 

Any additional donations will go toward his six month recovery period, ongoing heartworm prevention, and special diet dog food.

 

They are working on setting up a Paypal account for those not currently in Puerto Morelos.

 

The Road to Recovery

 

The outpouring of support shows just how much this happy-go-lucky dog means to Puerto Morelos.

 

Panucho has wandered our streets for years, greeting locals and tourists alike. He's earned his nickname as the Honorary Mayor fair and square.

 

His family has gratefully accepted the community's help, and Panucho is now on doctor ordered rest, and will be staying at home while the medication does its work. 

Treatment for heartworm requires strict rest because physical activity can be dangerous while the parasites are dying off.

 

The good news is that heartworm is treatable when caught in time. With proper medication, rest, and follow up care, dogs can make a full recovery.

 

Panucho's prognosis looks good, and the whole town is rooting for him.

 

A Reminder About Prevention

 

This story is a reminder that heartworm prevention is crucial for all dogs in our area.

 

Monthly preventive medications are affordable and highly effective. If you have a dog, talk to your vet about year round heartworm prevention.

 

For now, Panucho is taking it easy at home. We can't wait to see him back on his regular route through town, healthy and happy once again.