Heartworm: What you need to know!

Heartworm is a blood parasite that can be transmitted to dogs through a mosquito bite. The mosquito harbors the microscopic larva in its body and infects a dog when taking blood. After a six month incubation period, the adult worms, which can reach a length of 11 inches, can be found in the heart and main blood vessels to the lungs. This can cause severe respiratory signs, heart failure and death. Heartworm is endemic to Wisconsin, which means your dog is at risk of getting this disease.

Luckily, heartworm disease is preventable! It is important that you talk to your veterinarian about starting your dog on the monthly medication that will prevent this disease. The first step is to have your veterinarian blood test your dog, since a heartworm positive dog should not be started on the preventative medication.

The Wisconsin Humane Society does a heartworm screening test on all dogs in adoption (over six months of age) to ensure that they are not positive for heartworm. However, your dog must be tested again by your veterinarian when the time comes to start the preventative medication.