Heartworm Disease
WHAT IS HEARTWORM DISEASE?
Canine heartworm disease develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying the parasite.
As a mosquito feeds, infection occurs and the parasite begins their migration into the dog’s bloodstream, where they grow into adult worms.
Adult heartworms can grow 10 to 12 inches in length!
They make their home in the heart and vessels of the lungs, often causing lung disease and heart failure.
Although easy to prevent, heartworm disease continues to be a major health problem for dogs living in the United States.
If you ever see or get bitten by mosquitoes, your dog is at risk!
WHO SHOULD BE TESTED?
Annual testing is recommended for all dogs to ensure that heartworm prevention is achieved and maintained.
If an infection is diagnosed in its early stages, the disease may be less severe and easier to treat.
All dogs 7 months of age and older should be tested for heartworms prior to beginning a preventive program.
At a minimum, retesting is recommended 6 months after first starting on the preventive medication or a missed dose, and annually thereafter.
Talk to us today about getting your pet heartworm tested and ask what monthly heartworm prevention is right for them
