(Appeared on BusinessWire)

The American Heartworm Society reminds pet owners to stay in the heartworm-prevention habit, no matter what the season. Contrary to what owners may think, heartworm disease is a year-round threat.

(Appeared at DVM360.com)

An increased emphasis on the importance of heartworm prevention, as well as new scientific information about heartworm resistance, testing and treatment, have prompted the American Heartworm Society (AHS) to revise its guidelines for dogs and cats. The updates to the guidelines were announced during the AHS’s half-day symposium at the North American Veterinary Conference earlier this week.

In certain areas of the United States, most notably the Mississippi Delta region, an inordinate number of dogs have become infected with heartworms while reportedly taking preventive medication. Practitioners diagnosing these unexpected heartworm infections have begun to question the effectiveness of macrocyclic lactones.

The FDA joins the American Heartworm Society in recommending that all dogs and cats, including indoor pets, be placed on year-round heartworm preventatives.

Read More.

Disease potential increases with mild winter and early spring.

Released from the American Heartworm Society Urge Year-Round Prevention

Veterinary professionals can tap online resources to remind and educate clients about the value of heartworm prevention.

Veterinary experts troubled by high incidence of preventable disease

Persistence of Heartworms Calls for Veterinary Vigilance About Protection

Survey finds heartworm nationwide