Mosquito Season Sucks, And So Does Heartworm

As much as we and our dogs enjoy soaking up the sun during the warmer months, the summertime is also, unfortunately, when mosquitos are the most active – posing health risks to humans and canines alike.

When temperatures reach 80°F (26.67 °C) or higher, mosquitoes are the busiest biters, especially in more humid locations around standing bodies of water (e.g., bogs, swamps, salt marshes). Moreover, due to climate change, mosquito season appears to be getting longer in many parts of the United States, according to recent research. All the more reason to be aware of mosquito-borne diseases and how to prevent them.

One of the most unsettling (but entirely preventable) mosquito-spread diseases that affect dogs is heartworm. This nasty sickness in the dog world is exactly what its name suggests: parasitic worms.

When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic heartworm larvae. Then, if and when that same mosquito bites your dog, it transfers the larvae into their bloodstream. Without intervention, those tiny worms grow, multiply, and start wreaking havoc inside your dog’s body. Scary!

Given that heartworm can be fatal, it is essential to seek out preventative care not just during peak mosquito season but year-round. Not to mention, since the disease can progress so significantly that symptoms don't become visible until the late stages, prevention is truly the only good defense.

1. Medication

Regular preventive treatment is critical for protecting dogs from heartworm. Several veterinarians prescribe a chewable or topical treatment to supervise monthly in most cases. Many veterinary sales representatives offer a
variety of heartworm prevention options to help keep pets protected year-round, including injectable alternative medications that last for a period of six months to a year. These medications kill the immature larvae before they mature into adults.

Initiating preventive measures at the right time is vital. For instance, puppies can be infected with heartworms at about a few months of age. Thus, puppies should start heartworm prevention when most professionals suggest starting it – that is, between six and eight weeks old.

A common follow-up question of concerned owners is: Are all dogs supposed to get a heartworm preventative? The answer is yes, most dogs require heartworm prevention; no canine is immune from this disease, regardless of age, size, and breed. Even dogs that spend most of their time indoors are not safe. As we all know, mosquitoes are not just outdoor pests, they will easily make their way inside homes to obtain a 'blood meal.'

2. Reduce Mosquito Exposure

The greatest chance of heartworm infection lies in your dog's exposure to mosquitoes. Here are some useful ways to keep your dog from being bitten:

● Keep your dog indoors during the most active mosquito hours: dawn and dusk.
● Use mosquito repellents safe for pets.
● Regularly clean gutters and drains and eliminate standing water around your yard; this is where mosquitoes breed.
● Put screens on all windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.

These steps won't entirely remove the risk but may limit the number of mosquito bites you and your dog get during the warmer months.

3. Know the Signs and Seek Treatment

Signs and symptoms of heartworm disease and a call for immediate treatment are as follows:

● Cough that persists
● Easy fatigue during activity
● Weight loss and inappetence
● Breathing difficulty
● Enlargement of belly (due to an accumulation of fluid)

Although many pet parents wonder how to treat heartworm at home, the fact is, there is no good home remedy for the disease. Heartworm treatment requires special veterinary care, usually in the form of multiple injections that eliminate the parasite.

Because no single preventive can be counted as fool-proof and a single missed
dose could expose your dog to infection, annual heartworm exams are a no-brainer. Your vet will do a simple blood test to see if there are heartworm larvae present. If your dog tests positively, early detection will help give your dog timely treatment and lessen his or her risk of complications. Sadly, by the time severe symptoms appear, it may be too late for effective medical intervention.

FAQs

Is heartworm contagious?

No, heartworm is not contagious between dogs. A dog can't get it just by being near an infected dog. Only a mosquito bite transmits the disease.

Do dogs need to take heartworm pills every month?

Yes, dogs need to take heartworm pills every month (or whatever the routine dosage is for the given medication) to be protected. For further details, consult veterinary professionals.

How long can/will a dog live with heartworm?

Heartworms have a 5 to 7-year lifespan, which leaves far too much time for them to severely damage the heart and lungs.

How expensive is heartworm medication?

The average cost for heartworm preventative tablets is $6-$18, whereas heartworm treatment (after your dog becomes infected) can cost thousands of dollars.

What about cats? Can they get heartworm too?

Yes, but heartworms affect cats differently. They typically don’t grow into adult worms, but even immature worms can cause serious lung disease. Heartworm prevention is likewise recommended for cats.

Final Thoughts

Mosquito season may be unavoidable, but heartworm disease doesn’t have to be. By taking simple yet effective steps—like keeping up with year-round heartworm prevention, mosquito-proofing your home, and scheduling yearly vet checkups—you can protect your dog from this dangerous (but entirely preventable) disease.

Since only a third of dogs in the United States received a dose or more of heartworm-preventative medications in 2023, it's no wonder that the incidence of the disease continues to climb over the years. Still, on the bright side, the number of heartworm-preventative options has expanded significantly over the last 10 to 15 years, and all products are nearly 100% effective!

So, why is there still such a gap in heartworm prevention in dogs? Well, there's no lack of information or access to heartworm medications, but, rather, as Dr. Doug Carithers notes, "there’s a lack of follow-up." Thus, in the end, the primary responsibility of dog owners is knowing how to prevent heartworm in dogs and taking the initiative to follow through with their vet to initiate and uphold the necessary safeguards.

For more guides on dog health, wellness, and how to be a tip-top dog owner, keep reading here!