Global warming has been blamed for everything from an increase in hurricanes to rising sea levels and polar glacial activity. Could it also be affecting the health and well-being of your dog? Living a dog’s life could be a great thing in the United States this year, with spending on pets forecast to hit a new high despite the recession. It is estimated that pet owners spent more than $41 billion on their pets in 2008. Despite all the medical care, toys, special diets and other accessories, far too many dogs still fall victim to a disease that can easily be prevented. The calamity of canine heartworm disease continues to prove deadly to dogs across the United States. What might be worse is that the warming of our planet may be contributing to the spread of this disease.