Dog Gone Doggies

Pet owners have a lot of questions about heartworms, probably the most asked question with regards to heartworms is. Does it affect more than pet dogs? Yes it does, although you don't hear much about it foxes, wolves, ferrets and cats can get heartworms, there is no cure for cats at the moment. Here are more questions.

Are heartworms curable?

Yes, they are and close to 100% percent preventable.

What are the signs that my doggie may have heartworms?

A few active dogs show early signs and symptoms by coughing particularly following exercise, and the dog tires out easily, other pet dogs demonstrate no signs in any way. After the heartworms grow to adults and spread towards the cardiovascular system this is when you could possibly notice more severe symptoms.


What medication is prescribed for heartworms?

The drug Ivermectin or Milbemycon oxime is oftentimes used to prevent heartworms.

How do dogs get heartworms?

Your dog can only acquire heartworms through a mosquito carrying the parasite. Heartworms are not transmittable from one dog to another one, so if you have one pet dog that is infected the other dog is not going to contract heartworms unless of course bitten by another infected mosquito. Once bitten it takes about six to seven months to work its way through your dog system, and testing for heartworms during this period will not help, the heartworms won't show up until later on.

Is the medication for heartworms for other types of worms too?

Yes, and no this will depend on the medication some can be used to treat other parasites.

Heartguard (Ivermectin) is for heartworms only, Heartguard plus is made for heartworms, hookworms and roundworms.

Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) a second brand for taking care of heartworms is also for hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms in dogs and puppies.

Last but not least there is the brand Sentinel with the active ingredient in Interceptor plus they add lufenuron which sterilizes those horrible fleas.

Is there one region that heartworms are more widespread?

As a matter of fact the southern part of the United States was where heartworms showed up the most, where mosquitos are more rampant. Now virtually all states are reporting heartworms, some cases have been noted as far away as Japan. Where there are mosquito's you will find heartworms too.

What is the best way to guard against heartworms?

Honestly the easiest way to steer clear of heartworms is to start your puppy or doggie on prophylactic treatment. The average cost to treat your pet is generally about 50 - 90 bucks yearly, the bigger the dog the more costly. Heartworm medication is in the form of monthly pills, a 6 month shot twice a year or those liquid spot treatments you apply on your dogs’ neck like flea meds. Remember if you start adding treatment for the additional parasite preventatives (hookworms, roundworms, fleas) the cost can go up.

Once your pet has a confirmed case of heartworms then it becomes real expensive to help remedy. And not just that, when your pet dog is in treatment you need to do your best to keep your pet dog from physical exercise and overexerting themselves as it can cause death.


Since mosquito's are more common in summer can I stop treatment in the winter?

While it sounds like a sensible way to save cash if you are giving your dog year round treatment and fail to remember in the month of let's say in December your pet ought to be fine. But if you continue to fail to remember then your dog has a much greater opportunity to contract heartworms.

I really hope that clarified the questions you had about heartworms, you should for your dog's sake go to your vet get them examined then start right away on heartworm medication.