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Protecting Your Dog from Heartworm Disease: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
Author: Dr. Melyssa Favero, DVM, HBSc West Niagara Animal Hospital
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs—but the good news is, it’s also preventable. In this post, we’ll explain what heartworm disease is, how it affects your dog, and the simple steps you can take to protect your pet.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Images provided by: American Heartworm Society
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once a dog is bitten, the immature larvae travel through the bloodstream, eventually maturing into adult worms that reside in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. This can lead to heart failure, lung disease, and even death if left untreated.Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced, which is why prevention and annual testing are so important. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Exercise intolerancePrevention Is the Best Medicine
Heartworm prevention is safe and effective. There are several options available, including:
• Monthly chewable tablets (Nexgard Spectra, Heartgard, Interceptor Plus, Credelio Plus, others)
• Topical treatments (Revolution, Advantage Multi)
Your veterinary team can help you choose the best prevention method based on your dog’s lifestyle and health needs.
Annual heartworm blood testing is also essential- even if your dog is on preventive medication!
While efficacy of prevention is excellent, it is not 100%, especially if not given at the correct dose or timing. As an added benefit, many heartworm tests also check for tick-borne illnesses!Why Prevention in Our Area Matters
Heartworm is a risk across much of North America, but the prevalence varies. Even if a pet lives in a lower risk area, pets travelling to and from high-risk areas can increase the prevalence of heartworm in our area.
Dr. Melyssa Favero, DVM, HBSc
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Favero enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their four pets—Levi, Fergus, Marvin, and Moe. She loves being outdoors, especially hiking and playing pickleball. She finds joy in baking as well as spending time with friends and family.