Heartworm Symptoms
Is my dog susceptible to heartworm disease?
Yes. Your dog is at risk unless he lives in a vacuum. Again, the disease is spread by mosquitos, which can be found anywhere. Many of the carrier mosquitos can survive in a wide range of conditions and constitute a year-round menace (even in the winter) across much of the country. Most likely, your dog is bitten by more aedes mosquitoes than you are.
How can I keep my dog safe from heartworm disease?
The good news is that safeguarding is straightforward. Heartworms in pets can be prevented with highly effective preventives. The danger of infection is considerably lowered by administering a preventative year-round. You can also try to limit mosquito exposure by keeping pets indoors, especially during the twilight hours when mosquitoes are feeding.
Can I have my dog tested for heartworm disease?
Yes, and your veterinarian will insist on testing every year. A negative test result in a dog on year-round heartworm treatment is good news since it indicates that the preventive methods are effective. If your dog tests positive, he is infected and must be treated by your veterinarian.
