Q: Can My Dog Get Heartworm Disease? It's one of the most common and dangerous canine illnesses. Some Questions and Answers for Dog Owners. Q: "Can my dog get heartworm disease?" Yes. Your dog can get heartworm disease, whether he's an "outside" dog or even if he stays inside most of the time. Dogs get heartworm disease from mosquitoes. It is the female mosquito that bites and transmits the infection. Female mosquitoes are very tiny and can easily slip through cracks around windows, doors or screens. Every dog can be at risk, indoors or out. Q: "Are some dogs more susceptible than others?" Unfortunately, no dog, or breed of dog, is immune to heartworm disease. The mosquito that bites your dog could be carrying this common-and deadly-parasite. One bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes for your dog to become infected. Heartworm testing is easy and quick. Q: "How can I know for sure if my dog already has heartworm?" The only way to know for sure is to have your family veterinarian examine and test your dog. The procedure is quick and easy. But don't delay in calling your veterinarian to arrange for a heartworm test. If your dog gets heartworm disease, treatment can be dangerous for him and expensive for you. Q: "When is the right time to get my dog tested?" Mosquitoes, the carriers of heartworm disease, can be found at varying times of the year depending on the climate. Ask your veterinarian when the best time is to have your dog tested. Q: "How can I prevent my dog from getting heartworm disease in the future?" If your veterinarian determines that your dog is free of heartworms, he or she will tell you how easy and convenient prevention can be. It's important to follow your veterinarian's instructions: if you don't, your dog could still be at risk. Remember, the first, most important step is to have your dog tested for heartworms. Call Your Veterinarian For A Heartworm Test Today. Facts About Canine Heartworm Disease Mosquitoes can carry a parasite that causes heartworm disease, a potentially fatal disease that attacks your dog's heart, lungs and other vital organs. All it takes is one mosquito bite to infect your dog with heartworm disease. Symptoms may not be noticeable for up to a year after your dog has been infected - long after irreversible damage has been done to your pet. All dogs are at risk - even if they spend very little time outdoors. Veterinarians recommend having dogs tested yearly for heartworms, usually in early spring, before mosquito season begins. If your dog is parasite-free, your veterinarian will prescribe a daily or monthly preventative treatment. Heartworm disease is easily prevented, but can be difficult and expensive to treat. Please, have a veterinarian test your dog today. If you don't have a veterinarian, check the yellow pages for one near you, or contact your local veterinary medical association.

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