How common is heartworm in dogs in the UK?
Dedrick Crist
2025-09-02 15:06:41
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: 15
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.
Maye Gleichner
2025-08-24 17:37:47
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: 28
Though traditionally very rare in the UK, recent evidence suggests the threat is increasing due to climate and ecological changes. Due to historically cooler climate and less vector activity, heartworm has traditionally been rare in UK dogs. Most cases originated from dogs imported from endemic countries or recently travelled abroad. Currently, the main hotspots are Greater London, the south east of England, and south Wales. Climate change is lengthening mosquito seasons and expanding their habitats, raising risk areas beyond traditional limits. Battersea Dogs and Cats Home found 2-5% of tested dogs had larvae, though often without serious symptoms yet. Heartworm cases rising due to imported infected dogs, climate warming, and wildlife reservoirs. Greater London, south east England, and south Wales are current hotspots. Longer mosquito seasons increase transmission risk.
Lori Blick
2025-08-19 13:55:21
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: 23
Heartworms are nasty, and thankfully are not found in the UK. 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. 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. They are transmitted by mosquitos, and are therefore found in warmer countries, such as those in southern Europe.
Maynard Robel
2025-08-11 08:17:31
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: 16
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. It is also found in some other southern European countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, Greece and Turkey. Check with your vet if you are planning to travel abroad with your dog.
Arielle Bode
2025-07-30 16:41:07
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: 20
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. Some dogs with low worm numbers may not have any symptoms. The parasite can be found in the blood in most cases. In cases where there are only a small number of worms, the tests can be negative even though the dog is infected.
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