Every summer our dogs are exposed to a potentially deadly disease called heartworm disease. Heartworms are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes. We cannot prevent mosquitoes from coming back every summer, but we CAN prevent the dangerous parasites they carry to infest our canine friends!

Heartworm disease (also known as dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites called heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis). Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. There is little sign of disease in earlier stages of infection. Signs show up in later stages of the disease. Most common signs are persistent coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite and trouble of breathing. Infected dogs suffer damage in organs such as heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

The early detection of heartworm infection can be done by examining the dog’s blood. The procedure can be done at any veterinarian’s office and the treatment can be done successfully if the disease is detected early.

The good news is this disease is almost 100% preventable with preventive medication administered properly. There are a few methods of administration: orally, topically or by injection. Before you start any preventive medications, your veterinarian must exam your dog’s blood and confirm that there is no presence of heartworms in dog’s system. Then the veterinarian can prescribe the preventive medications. It is very important to administer the medication properly and on schedule.

Keep this in your mind – prevention of heartworm disease is easy and inexpensive, but treatment for this disease is long-term, risky and can be very expensive!