Testing is the only way to detect adults and drug-resistant heartworms before clinical signs appear. Moreover, heartworms resistant to preventives have been reported. So even seemingly minor lapses in dosing can cause serious problems. “I use prevention, so there’s no way my pet could develop heartworm disease.”ĥ1 days–that’s how quickly some heartworm larvae can develop into immature adults, the AHS says, and preventives don’t have an efficacy label claim against this stage. Many parents are simply unaware of these benefits.ģ. This is also a good opportunity to discuss the extra control that many heartworm preventives provide against other parasites. Moreover, mosquitoes can easily enter homes through open doors and windows. The AHS notes that 25% to 30% of heartworm-infected cats were described by their owners as living “strictly” indoors. “My pet never goes outside, so there’s no way they could be infected.”

Further complicating matters, the American Heartworm Association (AHS) notes that unpredictable risk factors like the presence of wildlife reservoirs, the climate, and pet travel can fluctuate significantly from year to year.Ģ. Excited to start a new year at Antech Diagnostics in the Science and Diagnostics Division of Mars Petcare with Mary Kurian, Antech’s General Manager, Liked by Jennifer Willcox View Jennifer. “Heartworm transmission isn’t a problem where I live.”Īccording to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), dogs have been diagnosed with heartworm disease in all 50 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. In recognition of National Heartworm Awareness Month and in support of better patient care, let’s briefly tackle some common pet parent misconceptions:ġ.

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