Heartworm 101: What every dog owner should
know
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- Heartworm disease is one of those topics that many pet owners have heard about but may not fully understand. Because heartworm is a serious disease that can be deadly to our dogs, the more you learn about it, the more prepared you can be to protect your furry friends.
- We talked with Dr. Sheldon Rubin, a well-known veterinarian and past president of the American Heartworm Society. His message is simple: “Just one bite from an infected mosquito WILL give your dog heartworm disease. The good news is that heartworm disease is easy and fairly inexpensive to prevent.”
- What Is Heartworm Disease?
- Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside a dog’s body, the microscopic larvae can mature into as many as 100 adult worms. These adult worms can grow up to 10-12 inches long and live in the blood vessels of the dog’s heart
- and lungs.
- According to Dr. Rubin, “Over time, these worms can grow quite long and cause significant damage to vital organs. In advanced cases, heartworm disease can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, and even death if left untreated.”
- One important point Dr. Rubin emphasizes is how heartworms are transmitted. “Heartworms are not spread from dog to dog through casual contact,” he explains. “They are transmitted only through mosquito bites.” That means any dog exposed to mosquitoes, whether they live in a city, suburb or rural area, can be at risk.
- Why Heartworm Awareness Matters
- One of the most challenging aspects of heartworm disease is its long life cycle. It takes approximately 6-7 months before testing will show a positive result. The longer the dog has adult heartworms, the greater the permanent damage to the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
- Early signs may include a mild cough, fatigue after exercise or reduced appetite. As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and include weight loss, difficulty breathing, and signs of heart failure.
- Dr. Rubin stresses that prevention is key. “Heartworm disease can be very serious, but it is much easier to prevent than to treat,” he says. That is why awareness and routine veterinary care play such an important role in protection.
- What Dr. Rubin Wants Pet Owners to Know
- One of Dr. Rubin’s main messages is that heartworm prevention is a normal and essential part of responsible pet care.
- “Preventive medications are very safe and very effective when used according to directions,” Dr. Rubin explains. “They all work by preventing the development of the heartworm larva to the adult stage.”
- He also reminds pet owners that heartworm disease is not limited to certain regions, climates or even specific seasons of the year. “Microclimates and urban heat islands allow mosquitoes to survive even in the winter. Anywhere there are mosquitoes, there is a risk,” he notes.
- How Heartworm Prevention Works
- The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable. There are several prescription prevention medications available, including monthly chewable, topically applied products, and an injection given by a veterinarian that will last either 6 or 12 months. “These medications work by killing the microscopic larvae of heartworms before they
- can mature into adult worms. Many heartworm preventives also protect against other internal and external parasites, offering broader health benefits for dogs,” said Dr. Rubin.
- Dr. Rubin encourages consistency when it comes to prevention. “Giving heartworm prevention year-round is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your dog’s long-term health,” he said.
- Treatment is Difficult and Costly
- One of the reasons heartworm disease prevention is so important for our dogs is because treatment involves months of care, restrictive exercise and high expense. In severe heartworm disease, where a mass of worms blocks blood flow in the heart, known as caval syndrome, surgery is required. This costly, difficult and time-consuming
- care to treat heartworm disease is a much greater burden than the relatively inexpensive heartworm prevention options. Depending on the type of preventative chosen, monthly costs average $15-$30 per month.
- Simple Steps Every Pet Parent Can Take
- Protecting pets from heartworm disease does not have to be complicated. Here are a few simple steps that make a big difference:
- ● Talk to your veterinarian about the best prevention plan for your dog
- ● Schedule routine heartworm testing, usually once a year
- ● Keep your dog on a veterinarian-recommended heartworm preventive all year long
- ● Reduce mosquito breeding areas by eliminating standing water
- A Friendly Reminder for Dog Lovers
- As Dr. Rubin says, “Heartworm disease is preventable, and no dog should have tosuffer from it.” Staying informed, keeping up with preventive care and working with your veterinarian can help keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe from heartworm disease.
- For more information, please see American Heartworm Society
- www.HeartwormSociety.org