One Mosquito

is all it takes to transmit
heartworms to your dog.

Heartworm larvae are transmitted by infected mosquitoes. When the infected mosquito bites, the larvae pass through the tissue into the bloodstream. 70 days later they reach the arteries of the lungs where they continue to develop and grow.

Once they arrive in the lungs, at 70 days post-infection, they can start to do damage.

mosquito
the head is where the sensors and biting apparatus are located.
the thorax is where the 2 wings and 6 legs attach.
the abdomen contains the digestive and excretory organs
 
 

What Exactly Is

Heartworm Disease?

  • Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs

  • It is caused by worms that spend their adult lives on the right side of the heart and the large blood vessels that connect the heart to the lungs

  • It is transmitted through infected mosquito bites

  • Dogs of all ages are susceptible to infection

  • Signs range from no sign at all to persistent cough, fatigue, fainting and weight loss

  • Heartworm disease is usually detected with a blood test

  • Treatment is an expense for the owner, and a painful, prolonged ordeal for the dog

  • Prevention of heartworm disease is recommended versus heartworm disease treatment

It Knows
No Boundaries

Heartworm disease has been
reported in all 50 states.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
HEARTGARD Plus is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian or click here for full prescribing information.

Left Untreated, the Heartworm Larvae Can

Continue to Grow and Grow

After entering into the tissue, the heartworm life cycle begins with the presence of infected larvae. Once larvae arrive in the heart and lungs, they can cause damage as early as 70 days.

 
 

Adult worms can extend up to
12 inches long—creating serious damage.

Yikes!

 

Year-Round Prevention

Is Recommended

 

If your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, treatment can be risky, expensive, and often involves hos​pitalization. Prevention of heartworm disease is highly recommended.

HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables are proven effective to prevent heartworm disease and are made with real beef that dogs love.2 Ask your vet about them to learn more.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
HEARTGARD Plus is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian or click here for full prescribing information.

Are you a heartworm
disease expert?

Test your knowledge about mosquitoes and heartworm disease with this informative quiz. True or false? You decide.

Take
the quiz

Staying indoors most of the year protects your dog against heartworm disease.

Correct

False. Mosquitoes can easily appear indoors. It only takes one mosquito bite to infect your dog with heartworm disease.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start Over
True
False
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