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Heartworms

Heartworms are parasites that invade a pet's circulatory system and heart. The adult heartworms product offspring called microfilariae, which circulate in the pet's blood. Mosquitoes feed on the infected pet, serve as a host while the microfilariae mature for two weeks, then transfer infective heartworm larvae when they bite healthy pets.

These heartworm larvae migrate through the pet's tissues and circulatory system and reach the heart in 5 to 6 months, where they arrive as worms about two inches in length. Once they are in the heart, the adult worms reproduce and grow.

Breed, sex and age do not affect your pet's susceptibility to heartworms. Dogs get them more commonly than cats. Outdoor pets come into contact with mosquitoes more frequently and may be at increased risk over indoor pets. The disease is found all over the US and Canada.

Highly effective heartworm preventative medications are available for dogs and cats that are not infected, and for pets that have been treated successfully for heartworms in the past. Your vet will test your pet for heartworms before prescribing medication.

Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm and prevention medications today!

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