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Heartworm Life Cycle (Pet Owners)

Think 12 Series: There's no such thing as a heartworm free zone. (Winter)

Keeping pets on year-round heartworm prevention is the best way to protect them from "surprise" infections.

These are Heartworms (Spanish)

A picture paints a thousand words in this poster showing what heartworms look like.

The Masked Marauder

If pets are unprotected, they're in danger from mosquitoes that transmit heartworms.

Don't let heartworm disease break your heart (empty collar)

Heartworm disease can be fatal in dogs. See your veterinarian for annual testing and year-round prevention.

These are heartworms

One mosquito bite can lead to heartworms that are 12 inches long--or more.

Don’t let heartworm disease break your heart (dog house)

Heartworm disease can be fatal in dogs. Make sure to have your veterinarian prescribe heartworm prevention.

Grounded or Unfounded: Heartworm disease in dogs is difficult to treat.

While hearworm infection can be treated in dogs, the treatment regime can be arduous.

Grounded or Unfounded: It's too dry here for heartworms.

Mosquitoes--and heartworms--can be found in desert climates where practices like irrigation and watering provide places for mosquitoes to breed.

Grounded or Unfounded: Dogs taking heartworm preventives should be tested every year.

Annual testing is an important component of heartworm management in dogs, even if they're on prevention.

Grounded or Unfounded: Treating for ticks and fleas does not protect my dog from heartworm infection.

Not every parasite-prevention product prevents heartworm in pets--some only address pests like fleas and ticks. Read the label and make sure your pet is getting the protection he or she needs.

Grounded or Unfounded: Only dogs and cats get heartworms.

Heartworm don't just infect dogs and cats--from ferrets to foxes, a number of other species get heartworm disease, too.

Grounded or Unfounded: It's too cold here for heartworms.

Many areas of the country have cold winters--AND heartworms. Year-round prevention provides the best way to keep your pet safe.

Grounded or Unfounded: Indoor pets are safe from heartworm infection.

Mosquitoes come inside--which means "indoor" pets are exposed to heartworms, too.

Grounded or Unfounded: Heartworms don't live here.

While heartworms are more prevalent in some parts of the country they're diagnosed in all 50 states.

Grounded or Unfounded: Cats don't get heartworm disease

Cats get heartworm disease, too--and unlike dogs, they have no options for treatment. Year-round prevention is the best approach.

Grounded or Unfounded: All drugs that prevent parasites prevent heartworm infection.

Treating your pet for parasites? Read the label and make sure it covers heartworms!

Frequently Asked Questions on Heartworm Treatment in Shelters

When should we perform spay-neuter surgery in a heartworm-positive dog?

Shelter Educational Brochures

New from AHS and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians: Educational Brochures on Heartworm for People Adopting from a Shelter

Why Should I WORRY About HEARTWORMS?

Here's what dog, cat and ferret owners need to know about heartworms and how their pet can get them--as well as why they should opt for safe and easy heartworm prevention.

Can heartworms be prevented naturally?

Many pet owners want "natural" solutions to heartworm prevention and treatment in their pets. The American Heartworm Society provides the facts.

5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Pet Happy for the Holidays

Five veterinary experts weigh in on keeping pets happy during the holidays.

Mosquitoes, Heartworms and Pets OH MY

Learn why you should protect your pets from deadly heartworm disease, which is spread by mosquitoes.

12 Reasons to Protect Your Pet 12 Months a Year

Not ONE reason but 12 reasons pets need year-round heartworm protection.

True or False: Test Your Heartworm Knowledge

Test your knowledge about diagnosis, prevention and treatment of heartworm disease in dogs and cats.