My Dog Spends Most of its Time in the House. Why Do I Need Heartworm Preventatives?

Heartworm disease is a devastating, potentially fatal parasitic infection that is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. As you have probably experienced, it does not take long outside in the warm months to be bitten by a mosquito, and it is very easy for a mosquito to get inside your house.

With the variable winters we have had recently, there is no guarantee that mosquitoes will not survive the colder months as well. Heartworm disease is treatable, however, the treatment is dangerous and requires hospitalization followed by extreme activity restriction for months afterward.

However, heartworm disease is entirely preventable by giving a tasty beef chew once monthly. Not only does the heartworm preventative stop heartworms from infecting your dog, but it also helps prevent your dog from picking up intestinal worms from outside. As intestinal worms can be transmitted to your family members, especially small children and the elderly, it is very important to keep your dog parasite-free.