How Do Dogs Get Heartworms?

Many people wonder how do dogs get heartworms. Here are some answers to the more commonly asked questions about this all too common dog disease. If you need further information you should talk to your veterinarian.

What Are Heartworms?

Dirofilaria Immitus is the scientific name for the parasite that causes canine heartworms. It is a parasite that has a complicated life cycle and one that needs a mosquito and a dog to complete it.

How Do Dogs Get Heartworms?

Dogs get heartworm infections after they are bitten by mosquitoes that are infected with this parasite. Mosquitoes become infected with this parasite after biting an infected dog. So as you can see it a constant cycle between mosquitoes and dogs transmitting this parasite back and forth.

How Can I Prevent Them?

The easiest way to prevent your dog from getting this disease is to keep them on a monthly heartworm preventative, like Sentinel, Heartgard, or Interceptor.

If your dog has never been on a preventative before, your veterinarian will do a simple blood check to be sure that your dog is not infected with Dirofilaria Immitus already.

Heartworms can be a very devastating disease in dogs and even cats. It is very important that you keep you dog on a monthly heartworm preventative if prescribed by your veterinarian. In most southern states, pet owners are often told to keep their dogs on all year prevention.

Missing just one monthly dose, can mean exposing your dog to this deadly disease, so make sure you remember to give the dose at the same time every month.


Heartworms in dogs can be very devastating. To learn more about prevention visit: http://www.free-online-veterinarian-advice.com/heartgard.html