Here are seven important things for you to know about Heartworm Disease in dogs

1. Heartworms Are Significant Parasites of Dogs
Heartworms can affect the dog’s quality and quantity of life. In the early stages, many dogs do not show clinical signs of infection. As the disease progresses, it is more likely that clinical signs, including mild persistent cough, decreased exercise tolerance, decreased appetite, and weight loss, will be seen.

2. Heartworms Are Spread by Mosquitoes
The bite from one infected mosquito can cause lifelong damage to a dog.
1 million dogs are estimated to be heartworm positive in the United States each year.

3. Testing for Heartworm Infections Is Essential
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) and The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommend yearly testing for heartworms, because visible signs of heartworm infection are not always present.

4. Heartworms Cause Permanent Damage
Once a dog requires heartworm disease treatment, damage to the lungs and pulmonary arteries remains for the rest of its life.

5. Heartworms Can Be Killed
Remind pet owners that while treatment is available, it is always better to prevent heartworm disease.
Treatment is expensive and can be painful for the dog.

6. Heartworm Disease Is an Invisible but Preventable Threat
Year-round heartworm disease prevention is recommended for dogs. Remind pet owners that year-round protection with HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) is a safe and delicious way to prevent the danger of heartworm disease for dogs. HEARTGARD Plus is the ONLY heartworm preventive made with REAL beef. Owners find it easy to administer, and dogs prefer it over other products.

7. Don’t Stop With Heartworms
Hookworms and roundworms are more prevalent than whipworms and tapeworms. In fact, they’re the most prevalent internal nematode parasites of dogs. Plus, over 90% of puppies under 3 months old are infected with roundworms.
These zoonotic worms can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
A comprehensive health care program for infected dogs includes preventing heartworm disease as well as deworming hookworms and roundworms using easy-to-administer protection every 30 days.