Many people ask us why their dog needs heartworm preventative if we live in a non-endemic area. The short answer is the old adage "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
While heartworm disease isn't as common here as it is in other parts of the US, the fact is that heartworm has been diagnosed in every state in the country. Mosquitos transmit heartworms, and they're a lot smarter and tougher than you think. Even in winter, there are lots of warm, protected spots where mosquitoes live.
So it boils down to this...is it worth putting your dog at risk? Monthly heartworm preventative is far cheaper, both in money and heartache, than treating your dog once infected.
Heartworm Facts
Please give us a call at 425.903.8123 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment for your dog to have a heartworm test and get started on Trifexis.
While heartworm disease isn't as common here as it is in other parts of the US, the fact is that heartworm has been diagnosed in every state in the country. Mosquitos transmit heartworms, and they're a lot smarter and tougher than you think. Even in winter, there are lots of warm, protected spots where mosquitoes live.
So it boils down to this...is it worth putting your dog at risk? Monthly heartworm preventative is far cheaper, both in money and heartache, than treating your dog once infected.
Heartworm Facts
- Each year more families move from endemic areas like California, bringing heartworm to our local mosquitoes who then become carriers and spread the parasite to your dog who may have never left Snohomish County.
- There are three counties in Washington State with high risk (Pierce, Thurston and Grays Harbor) and three (including King County) with moderate risk. You can get more information at the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) website.
- The American Heartworm Society recommends annual heartworm testing and year-round heartworm preventative for all dogs.
- Heartworm infestations have been documented in all 50 states.
- With dogs traveling with their families more and more, an increasing number of cases are being reported even in non-endemic areas.
- Recent research has shown that some mosquito species can “hibernate” in colder weather resulting in a higher chance of heartworm surviving winter months.
Please give us a call at 425.903.8123 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment for your dog to have a heartworm test and get started on Trifexis.