Why heartworm prevention is essential.

Heartworm prevention is one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Wherever there are mosquitoes, there is the risk of heartworm, and why would you take the risk when heartworm infection can be fatal?

Why heartworm can be deadly

When an infected mosquito feeds on your pet, heartworm larvae enter the bloodstream. These nightmarish worms then mature, reaching up to 30cm in length! They can eventually become lodged in your pet's heart, leading to heart failure and death.

Treatment of heartworm is complicated and often has a poor outcome.

Heartworm distribution

The prevalence of heartworm in Australia has been mainly in tropical and subtropical coastal regions, but in recent decades it has become increasingly prevalent in more southern areas. Changing weather patterns and subsequent alterations in the distribution of mosquito populations has meant that heartworm disease can be unpredictable. This is why prevention is SO important as we just don't know where it might pop up next.

What’s the best prevention?

Prevention of heartworm is far easier than an attempt at treatment but it's also important to realise that not all heartworm prevention is the same. There are topical treatments, oral treatments and a yearly injection for dogs. You should also be aware that many of the intestinal 'all-wormer' tablets do not prevent heartworm infection.

We strongly recommend a yearly heartworm injection, this can be done at the same time as your annual vaccinations. Give us a call if you would like to discuss your pets heart worm status.