The bad news is that Heartworms in dogs have been reported in all fifty states. The good news is that Heartworm preventative works. Heartworms are a parasitic worm that can infect the right ventricle of the heart and nearby blood vessels. Heartworms are transmitted from one individual dog to another dog by mosquitoes.

After the initial bite from an infected mosquito, it takes 6 to 7 months for the worm to become sexually mature. It is at that time that its presence can be detected by a Heartworm test.

The worms continue to grow in size after reaching sexual maturity and the females start to pass microfilaria into the blood.  Adult female worms have been known to grow up to 14 inches long while males are generally shorter.

Some pets are infected with numerous worms, all traveling from the site of the mosquito bite to their preferred home in the heart. Once in the heart, the worms create a significant blockage to the normal flow of blood. Heartworms may live for several years in an infected dog. Heartworm infections can be treated. But the treatment is costly and somewhat risky for the dog.

Heartworm preventative is available in chewable tablets and pills as well as a topical form. Ideally puppies are started on monthly Heartworm preventatives by 8 weeks of age.  They should have a Heartworm blood test at around 7 months of age and then be retested on an annual basis or according to the veterinarian's recommendations. Drs. Foster and Smith provide a clear summary of your Heartworm preventative options.

Posted by Paula.