Do dogs actually need heartworm prevention?
Lempi Cartwright
2025-08-25 14:28:51
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: 17
My dogs growing up were never on heartworm medication, and I live in a mosquito heaven. They were never infected with heartworms or had heartworm-related problems, and lived outside almost 24-7 unless it was very cold or storming. I'm debating whether to put my current dogs on it, but it seems like a huge expense for an otherwise small risk considering these dogs are indoors like 90%+ of the time. One of my dogs is epileptic and has reacted very badly to medications in the past. I'm debating whether to take the money I'd otherwise be putting into monthly heartworm prevention and instead building an "emergency fund" for my dogs in case they need to see a vet.
Jedediah Lang
2025-08-07 14:30:13
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: 17
The answer is absolutely yes. Heartworm disease is a very serious condition and if left undetected or untreated, can result in death for any dog and even cats. Heartworm prevention can be easily administered to prevent this disease. Any time a dog goes outside they are potentially exposed to heartworm-carrying mosquitos. Even animals that are always inside are never 100% protected if a mosquito gets in the house. It only takes one bite. The preventatives on the market today eliminate the circulating adolescent stages of the worms, before they can mature and reach the heart. They are a very safe and convenient way to prevent the risks and disease associated with these parasites.
Kelsi Howe
2025-07-30 13:31:41
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: 12
That means protecting your pooch from this parasite is more important than you might have realized, no matter your dog’s age, breed, or where you live in the country. Fact: The best way to deal with heartworm is to prevent it in the first place, and that’s not hard to do. Heartworm prevention comes in both oral and topical formulas (which are absorbed into the bloodstream), so you and your veterinarian can decide which method is most convenient for you and your pet. If you think you might forget to give this medicine monthly, ask about an injectable option. Preventive treatments are incredibly effective, but no preventive is 100% effective, and since dogs with early infection can be asymptomatic, annual testing is recommended. We are also seeing some evidence that there may be resistance developing to our available preventives, making testing even more important. Treating a heartworm infection, especially a severe one, isn’t as easy as you might think. Heartworm treatment requires a minimum of 2 months of strict rest and can be quite expensive.
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