Three Misconceptions About Heartworms

MYTH 1: Indoor dogs are not at risk.   

TRUTH: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. One mosquito bite is all it takes for a dog to be infected. All dogs are at risk. 

MYTH 2: Only dogs in heartworm epidemic areas like southeastern states need protection against heartworms. 

TRUTH: Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. One million dogs are estimated to be heartworm positive in the United States each year.¹ The disease continues to spread to new regions. The best way to protect your dog is to administer a heartworm preventive year-round as directed by your veterinarian.   

MYTH 3: Treatment for heartworm disease is just as easy as preventing it.  

TRUTH: Treatment requires arsenic-based injections to kill the heartworms living in a dog's lungs and heart. In comparison to heartworm prevention, the treatment is expensive (up to $1,000) and can be traumatic and risky. It is much easier to prevent heartworms than to treat them.

¹ Vital statistics for your veterinary practice. In: Landeck E, ed. The Veterinary Fee Reference 6th ed., Lakewood, CO: AAHA Press, 2009;57, 200, 213, 226, 259, 333.
²Market Dynamics: Share report monthly canine heartworm preventives, vet-dispensed treatment; Data on file at Merial.

®HEARTGARD is a registered trademark of Merial.
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