Six Myths about Heartworm Disease

This content is sponsored by Aurora Pharmaceutical

Heartworm disease is a serious, but preventable condition that affects both dogs and cats, and yet it can be often misunderstood by clients. To help educate clients, Peter C. Hann, DVM, technical services veterinarian at Aurora Pharmaceutical, shares the 6 common myths he hears when it comes to heartworm disease and prevention with clients, and what the truth really is in this latest installment of dvm360's Pet Connections.

Pet owners only need to be concerned about heartworm in the summer

While peak transmission for heartworm disease from mosquitoes certainly occurs in the summer months, however areas of the country that can have microclimates or even just year-round warmer weather besides the summer months. Hann even explained that some mosquitoes prefer to live indoors which can put 'indoor only' pets at risk so it is important to keep up with protection all year round.

Cats don't need heartworm protection

For cats, despite being aberrant hosts of heartworm disease and are less likely to harbor adult heartworm when compared to dogs, they can still be infected and have a more severe and different reaction to heartworm. Hann also explains that there is no effective treatment for cats with heartworm so when it comes to prevention, it is extremely important that cats remain protected year round.

Heartworm preventives only protect dogs

Heartworm preventives are 'multitaskers' so they can protect patients against more than heartowrm disease. In fact, many can provide fear, tick, intestinal worms, and even mange. This is why using monthly heartworm preventives are a great way to protect patients and clients from heartworm disease.

You'll know if your dog has heartworm disease

Damage to the blood vessels in dogs begins to occur immediately with heartworm disease, but the damage done is not always transparent. Depending on number of heartworms and activity levels in canine patients, they may not show any signs heartworm. According to Hann, the longer the dog has heartworm, the more damage that can occur so it is crucial to have annual testing and consistent prevention.

Heartworm prevention is expensive

Generic heartworm prevention is on the. market today that are just as effective as brand named products. Hann even explains that they can cost less per month than a clients dog food. He also wants clients to know that despite the cost of prevention, it will never be more expensive then treating heartworm disease.

If my dog gets heartworm disease, my veterinarian can easily treat it

Nothing could be further from the truth than this final myth. Treating heartworm, as mention in myth number 5, can be very expensive and dangerous, plus the damage done to the heart cannot be reversed. heartworm is a serious disease, but it is also a preventable one.