Link to the online survey is now live

APEX, NC —The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is asking veterinarians to contribute to the profession’s understanding of heartworm disease in the U.S. by participating in the 2025 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey.

The AHS maps, which date back to 2001, are generated every three years and are widely used by veterinarians, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and media to educate the pet-owning public about the threat of heartworm disease. The maps, which are built using data submitted by thousands of veterinary practices and animal shelters, also provide vital insights for veterinary professionals about heartworm incidence trends and the spread of heartworms into new areas of the country. 

“Every veterinary practice that submits data helps the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map, which in turn helps veterinarians provide valuable information to clients on the threat of heartworms in their practice areas,” stated AHS President Marisa Ames, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology). Ames emphasized that neither size nor location of practice—nor the number of heartworm cases seen—should be a factor, adding that the brief survey can be completed online.

“Whether yours is a large or small practice—or whether you live in a warm- or cold-weather state—we urge you to submit your information,” Ames concluded.

The deadline to submit survey data is February 14, 2026. The new 2025 AHS map will be made public in April as part of Heartworm Awareness Month. 

Veterinarians participating in the survey are eligible for a gift card drawing (see terms and conditionsterms and conditions). Only one survey per practice will be accepted.

About the American Heartworm Society
The mission of the American Heartworm Society is to lead the veterinary profession and the public in the understanding of heartworm disease. Founded during the Heartworm Symposium of 1974. The American Heartworm Society aims to further scientific progress in the study of heartworm disease, inform the membership of new developments and encourage and help promote effective procedures for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heartworm disease.

A change of seasons is not a reason to stop your pets' heartworm prevention. Here's why year-round prevention is the best way to get your pets safe.

Abstract

While highly effective, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) heartworm treatment protocol requires a dedicated owner able to follow all the steps of treatment over a period of months. Sometimes, circumstances disrupt the treatment plan, delaying administration of adulticide therapy. This article answers common questions the AHS receives about how to resume heartworm treatment after interruption.

(StatePoint) Heartworms are one of the most common and serious health threats faced by pets. According to the American Heartworm Society, more than a million U.S. pets are infected with heartworms, and incidence numbers are rising—even though heartworms are easily prevented. To equip pet parents to provide the protection their four-legged family members need this summer and year-round, the American Heartworm Society is sharing five vital facts about this deadly threat.

This article answers some of the most frequently asked questions about heartworm screening and diagnosis that the AHS gets from general practitioners.

Apex, North Carolina (April 14, 2025) —The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recently announced program details about their upcoming Triennial Heartworm Symposium, a professional conference that brings together veterinary and heartworm experts from around the world with academicians, industry leaders and veterinarians from clinical practice. During the 3 ½-day symposium, which will be held September 4-7, 2025, at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, participants will learn firsthand about the latest research and insights on heartworm management from leading veterinary and heartworm experts from around the world.

Conventional wisdom among veterinarians has long held that heartworm disease is a serious, ubiquitous issue in dogs. At the same time, while many practitioners also believe that heartworm disease in cats is a serious disease, they view it as relatively uncommon. This assumption has led many practitioners to look for heartworms in feline patients only when overt clinical signs point to the problem, and to refrain from recommending routine heartworm testing and prevention in cats. The result: feline heartworm disease today is misunderstood, underdiagnosed and undermanaged.

It only takes one bite from a heartworm-infected mosquito to jeopardize the health and welfare of your dog or cat. And if your pet becomes infected, heartworm disease in dogs and cats can be fatal or cause lifelong damage.

To help you sort out heartworm facts versus fiction, let’s look at 10 of the most common heartworm myths and what you can do to protect your pet from heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease is not a new challenge for veterinary professionals, but according to Susan Little, DVM, PhD, DACVM (Parasitology), this is currently a great time for heartworms—and a bad time for dogs. The prevalence of heartworm is rising, making it more critical than ever for veterinary teams to take action.