Heartworm is a deadly disease transmitted by mosquitos. It is easily prevented but difficult to treat. First, adult female heartworms release their young, called microfilariae, into an animal’s bloodstream. Then, mosquitoes become infected with microfilariae while taking blood meal from the infected animal. During the next 10 to 14 days, the microfilariae mature to the infective larval stage within the mosquito. After that, the mosquito bites another dog, cat or other susceptible animal, and the infective larvae enter through the bite wound. It then takes a little over 6 months for the infective larvae to mature into adult worms. In dogs, the worms may live for up to 7 years. Microfilariae cannot mature into adult heartworms without first passing through a mosquito.
Courtesy of the American Heartworm Society
Heartworm disease is easily treatable with a monthly regimen. Miller Animal Clinic recommends keeping your pet on year-round heartworm prevention to ensure your pet is safe. Here are the different types of heartworm preventative we offer at our clinic.
- Interceptor Plus
30 day duration, chicken flavored chewable chunk. Covers heartworm, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms.
- ProHeart
6 month or 12 month injection, given by licensed Veterinarian or licensed Technician. Covers heartworm, and has a one time kill for hookworms upon injection. An appointment is required to receive the injection.
- Revolution Canine
30 day duration, topical that covers heartworms, fleas and American dog tick.
- Revolution Feline
30 day duration, topical that covers heartworms, fleas, hookworms, roundworms and ear mites.
