Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and primarily infects dogs, but can occasionally infect cats as well. The adult heartworm lives in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs and can cause severe disease or even death. Fortunately there are effective preventive medications. We recommend that all dogs be on a monthly heartworm preventative year round. Even indoor dogs can be exposed to mosquitoes and we do occasionally see mosquitoes in the winter when the weather gets warm. An added advantage heartworm preventatives is their ability to control some of the intestinal parasites

2016.4.12