Heartworm in dogs is common and increasing across the U.S., with over a million pets affected annually, though prevalence varies by region, with warmer, humid areas like the South and coasts having higher rates, but cases are now reported in all 50 states due to factors like pet travel and changing mosquito patterns. It's a serious, mosquito-borne parasitic disease, and prevention is crucial as it's potentially fatal.

In what states is heartworm most common?

Sadly, my home state of Mississippi has been the #1 state in heartworm incidence for the past six years. The remaining states in the top 10 were Louisiana, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and Oklahoma.

What time of year are dogs most likely to get heartworm?

In most parts of the country, exposure risk is greatest during the warm months of summer and early fall.

Should I be worried if my dog has heartworms?

While treatment is available, heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lung, and arteries, and can affect the dog's health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone.

Can a dog survive being heartworm positive?

While heartworm disease can be life-threatening, there are effective treatment options for established heartworm infections, and strict rest during the treatment period is critical to recovery.

Vet 101: Heartworm

What are the first signs of heartworm?

Early heartworm symptoms in dogs are subtle, often missed, and include a mild, persistent cough, lethargy or exercise intolerance, and unusual fatigue after activity, while later signs involve significant weight loss, trouble breathing, or a swollen abdomen, emphasizing the need for prevention and regular testing.

Can dogs survive without heartworm medicine?

Not all dogs with heartworm disease develop caval syndrome. However, if left untreated, heartworm disease will progress and damage the dog's heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, eventually causing death.

What is the life expectancy of a dog after heartworm treatment?

Dog Life Expectancy after Heartworm Treatment

If caught early, dogs can be successfully treated and go on to live a normal life expectancy. But if there has been damage to your dog during infection, then there is an increase in early death due to compromise on organ function, especially your dog's lungs.

What kills heartworms in dogs naturally at home?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that herbs such as garlic, black walnut and wormwood, and the homeopathic heartworm nosode, may actually prevent as well as treat infection. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to find substantive proof that these therapies can reliably and safely prevent or treat infection or disease.

What months do dogs need heartworm pills in the USA?

When is the heartworm medication taken? During the mosquito season once monthly from June 1st to November 1st. The medication works retroactively. For example; the June 1st dose prevents heartworm disease from developing as a result of mosquito bites during the month of May.

What is the controversy with HeartGard?

The Heartgard controversy centers on allegations that its maker, Merial, falsely advertised the drug as 100% effective, despite internal knowledge and FDA warnings (circa 2009) that its efficacy was closer to 95%, especially as heartworm resistance emerged; lawsuits claimed this deception led to dogs contracting heartworms, causing severe illness, while a whistleblower suit alleged cover-ups and improper data handling by Merial, though the company maintained product safety.
 

What states are worst for heartworms?

North America can carry heartworms. WHERE THE WORMS ARE WORST. The TOP 5 states are: Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Alabama.

Can you skip heartworm in winter?

Although there are fewer mosquitoes in the winter, there is still a risk that your pet could get heartworms if you stop giving heartworm prevention medication during this season. That's one reason veterinarians strongly recommend pets receive heartworm prevention medication year-round.

Where do dead heartworms go?

As they break up, they are carried to the lungs, where they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body. This resorption can take several weeks to months, and most post-treatment complications are caused by these fragments of dead heartworms.

Is Heartgard really necessary for dogs?

The American Heartworm Society recommends giving your dog year-round protection. That's because the threat of heartworm disease doesn't stop with dropping temperatures.

Is Heartgard just ivermectin?

Yes, Heartgard contains the active ingredient ivermectin (in combination with pyrantel in Heartgard Plus) and works as a monthly preventative for heartworm disease, as well as treating/controlling hookworms and roundworms in dogs and cats. The ivermectin kills heartworm larvae before they can mature, protecting against the disease, and the medication requires a veterinary prescription.

What breed of dog has ivermectin toxicity?

It is most commonly seen in herding breeds, such as Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, and Australian Shepherds, but can be found in any breed.

What are the first signs of heartworms in dogs?

The first signs of heartworms in dogs are often subtle, including a mild, persistent cough (sometimes a "goose honk" sound), lethargy or reluctance to exercise, fatigue after activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss, but many dogs show no symptoms in early stages, making regular vet testing crucial. These initial signs develop as worms grow and damage the heart and lungs, leading to more severe issues like heart failure or respiratory distress as the infection progresses.
 

What sounds do dogs make when they have heartworms?

Goose Honk Cough

The cough associated with heartworm disease in dogs is often likened to the sound of a goose honking. If your dog tends to get into coughing fits after activity or eating, and if those coughs sound harsh and honk-like, then she may have heartworm disease or another heart related concern.

What can be mistaken for heartworm?

Signs associated with the first stage of heartworm disease can often be mistaken for feline asthma or allergic bronchitis.

How soon after heartworm does a dog show symptoms?

It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.

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