Do dogs need heartworm medicine in the UK?
Emma Tromp
2025-09-02 17:40:57
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Dogs can get worms inside the heart, yes, Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite transmitted by mosquito bites to dogs. Can dogs become infected in the UK, this is unlikely as, although we do have the mosquito that transmits the infection, high environmental temperatures for a sustained period of time are required for development of the parasite in the mosquito. For this reason, mosquitoes in the UK are not able to transmit the infection. However, these conditions are met in Mediterranean counties where the risk of infection is high. It is a preventable disease, as long as the dog receives monthly treatments to stop the parasite from developing inside the dog. The treatment must given monthly while you are abroad and it is important that your dog does not miss any doses. If you are going abroad for less than a month, give the treatment as soon as you come back into the UK.
Maryam Crist
2025-08-23 13:17:58
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Heartworm is not currently found in the UK. However, it is common in many countries across the world. It is generally found in tropical and temperate regions, with the highest known prevalence in the USA, South America, Japan, Australia and Italy. Check with your vet if you are planning to travel abroad with your dog. If you are planning on travelling abroad with your pet, speak to your vet about the necessary steps you need to take to make sure he stays protected. There are two ways to do this in dogs: first by using a product to repel mosquitoes, and second by regularly using a heartworm preventative product that will kill the larval stages of the parasite before they can become adult worms.
Kyler Russel
2025-08-16 12:22:36
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Although heartworm is not endemic in the UK, the number of heartworm infections diagnosed in dogs in the UK is increasing, with most cases found in dogs that have travelled to or been imported from areas where the disease is endemic, such as southern and eastern Europe. Although average temperature conditions necessary for transmission of heartworm are currently rarely met in the UK, with increasing temperatures and the rise in imported dogs, there’s potentially an increasing risk of heartworm becoming endemic in the UK. The Scientific Information Document provides key information on heartworm including transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Therefore, it is timely that veterinary surgeons remain alert and consider the possibility of heartworm as part of their differential diagnosis when seeing relevant dogs in practice.
Amelie Fay
2025-08-12 00:29:40
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Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos, Leishmania by sandflies, and the other diseases by ticks. Prevention of Heartworm begins at least 1 month before departure and continues monthly until at least one treatment after returning to the UK. If an animal is currently on monthly lungworm prevention, then is also covered against heartworm. These include Milpro chewable tablets, Nexgard Spectra chewable tablets, and Advocate spot-on treatment. The time between exposure to the parasite and becoming unwell for some of these diseases can vary from weeks to years and the symptoms themselves can be vague and non-specific. Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, infection can sometimes result in severely disabling chronic problems or even fatal disease. It is therefore far better to try and prevent these diseases from being contracted than having to deal with the potential consequences.
Our major concerns when travelling abroad with your dog are the following: Heartworm, Leishmania, Babesia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia.
Jordy Gutmann
2025-07-30 18:56:41
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If your dog doesn’t leave the UK, there is currently no risk of them being infected by heartworms. However, should you be planning a trip abroad with your dog then it is important to discuss the risk with your vet. Heartworms are nasty, and thankfully are not found in the UK. They are transmitted by mosquitos, and are therefore found in warmer countries, such as those in southern Europe. Dogs are at risk of developing heartworm if they have: Not been given preventative medication. With the increase in imported rescue dogs over the last few years, there has been an increase in heartworm cases seen in these dogs. If your dog was imported to the UK from abroad and you have any concerns it is important to let your vet know that your dog has spent time outside of the UK. Heartworm preventative medication is the best way to protect your dog from contracting heartworm on holiday. Your vet can advise what the best preventative medication would be for your pet, and give you some to take with you if you will be away for a longer period.
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