Canine Heartworm Disease

Dogs are considered the definitive host for heartworms ( Dirofilaria immitis). When a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites a dog and transmits the infection, the larvae grow, develop and migrate in the body over a period of several months to become sexually mature male and female worms. These reside in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. As mature adults, the worms mate and the females release their offspring (microfilariae), pronounced: (micro-fil-ar-ee-a), into the blood stream.Canine heartworm infection is widely distributed throughout the United States. Heartworm infection has been found in dogs native to all 50 states. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, or habitat, are susceptible to heartworm infection.

Treatment

The treatment to kill the heartworms is expensive ($250-700 per dog) and is very tough on the dogs. 

Preventives

While treatment of canine heartworm disease is usually successful, prevention of the disease is much safer and more economical. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection, including monthly tablets, chewables and topicals. These products are extremely effective and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented.

IN ADOPTING A WEIMARANER FROM WCWR, WE REQUIRE CONTINUATION OF HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE.