06/10/2025
Topic Tuesday: Heartworm Disease 101
Let’s go back to basics — because heartworms are still a major issue here in Arkansas, and the more you know, the better you can protect your pets.
🦟 How it spreads:
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. One bite from an infected mosquito can pass microscopic larvae into your dog’s bloodstream.
🐶 Who it affects:
All dogs are at risk — regardless of size, age, or lifestyle. Yes, even if your dog “only goes outside to potty.” Mosquitoes don’t need much time to do damage. That quick trip out to p*e? That’s long enough for a bite that can lead to months of treatment.
💔 What it does:
Heartworms grow inside the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing lung disease, heart failure, and long-term damage — even after treatment.
⚠️ Why symptoms are tricky:
Most dogs won’t show signs early on. Coughing, fatigue, and weight loss usually don’t appear until things are already serious.
💉 Treatment vs. prevention:
Treatment involves multiple vet visits, months of medication, and strict exercise restriction. It’s also expensive — often costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Prevention, on the other hand, is simple and affordable — just a monthly chew or injections that last 6 months to a year.
🌡️ Arkansas-specific reality:
Mosquitoes are active here for most of the year, and they will find your pet. Even indoor dogs aren’t immune — mosquitoes get inside, too.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is protected or when their last heartworm test was, give us a call. We’ll walk you through it.
When it comes to heartworms, a little prevention goes a long way. 💥