Summer evenings often come with mosquitoes, and for dogs, mosquito bites are more than an annoyance. Mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, a parasite that can cause serious disease in dogs. The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable, and summer is a natural time to make sure your dog’s prevention plan is in place.
How heartworm spreads
Heartworm is caused by a parasitic worm. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it can pick up immature larvae. Those larvae develop inside the mosquito and can then be passed to another dog when the mosquito bites again. Over time, the larvae can grow into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels.
Because mosquitoes carry it, heartworm is not spread directly from dog to dog. A dog that spends most of its time indoors can still be at risk, since mosquitoes easily find their way inside.
Why prevention matters
Heartworm disease can damage the heart and lungs and may cause coughing, tiredness, reduced appetite and difficulty breathing. Early in the infection, dogs may show no signs at all. Treatment for an established infection can be lengthy and difficult for the dog, which is why veterinarians emphasize prevention.
Heartworm has been found throughout much of the United States, though risk varies by region and climate. Your veterinarian knows the risk in your area and can recommend an appropriate approach.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Is my dog on the right heartworm prevention for our area and lifestyle?
- Should my dog take prevention year-round?
- When is my dog due for a heartworm test, and why is testing recommended even for dogs on prevention?
- Does the prevention also cover other parasites, and do we need anything else for fleas and ticks?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are there any special considerations if we travel to a different region this summer?
Bring a list of the products your dog currently takes, including anything for fleas and ticks, so your veterinarian can see the full picture. Only use heartworm prevention products prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian, and give them exactly as directed. Setting a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar makes it much easier to stay on schedule, especially during a busy summer of trips and changing routines.
Reducing mosquito exposure
Prevention medication is the most important step, but reducing mosquito exposure around your home can help too:
- Empty standing water in buckets, plant saucers, kiddie pools, birdbaths and gutters, where mosquitoes breed.
- Keep window and door screens in good repair.
- Limit outdoor time at dusk and dawn, when many mosquitoes are most active.
- Ask your veterinarian before using any insect repellent on your dog. Some repellents made for people, including those containing DEET, are not considered safe for dogs.
A quick conversation with your veterinarian, a regular dose of prevention and a tidier yard can go a long way toward keeping your dog safe through mosquito season and beyond.
