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.

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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

Roundtable of leading experts expresses openness to possibility of resistance after reviewing science but calls for more studies

(Appeared in Washington Post)

Dear Readers: If you have a dog, it should be on a HEARTWORM preventative medication no matter where you live. It used to be that if you lived in areas with harsh winters, you didn't have to give the pet the medication during the winter months. Now, the American Heartworm Society says you should give your pet heartworm medication all year long. The disease can still be spread by wildlife or when you travel with your pet. Pets become infected when they are bitten by mosquitoes that are carrying the parasite.