Heartworm Disease Transmission

Heartworms can’t be passed directly from dog to dog (or from dog to human). In fact, the only way a dog can be infected with heartworms is by a mosquito bite… and it’s pretty gross! 

When a mosquito bites a dog or other animal that is already infected with heartworm, the mosquito picks up microfilariae (AKA: small, baby parasitic worms). For the next couple of weeks, the microfilariae mature into larvae inside the mosquito. When the mosquito then bites another dog, the larvae enter the dog at the site of the bite. It takes several months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms inside your dog, at which point they mate and produce offspring. The full lifecycle of a heartworm is 5-7 years, and a dog can carry anywhere from 1 to hundreds of heartworms at one time! 

Heartworm Disease Symptoms

Heartworm disease causes significant health problems for the affected pet. Dogs face a higher risk of heartworm disease than cats, but cats that spend time outside do face some risk as well. Complications in dogs may start as mild as a cough but can become more severe, causing heart, lung, liver, and kidney complications, which can ultimately result in death if left untreated. Though cats are a less ideal host for the parasites, feline complications may manifest as a cough, respiratory attacks, sudden fainting or seizures, or death.

There are some treatments available to eliminate heartworms in dogs (there is unfortunately no equivalent treatment in cats), so if you notice symptoms in your pet, contact your vet immediately. However, the best defense against heartworm is a solid prevention plan!

Heartworm Disease Prevention

Talk to your vet about all the signs and symptoms of heartworm disease, and follow their recommendations regarding a good prevention medication for your pets. The more you can limit your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes and their dangerous bites, the better—especially since mosquitoes can spread several other canine diseases, with a wide range of possible symptoms. 

With expertly trained technicians and targeted control, Mosquito Hero’s mosquito control programs are proven to effectively reduce mosquito populations in your yard, so your pets can enjoy your yard safely and happily. Our services are backed by our mosquito control guarantee: if you’re not satisfied between scheduled treatments, we’ll happily re-treat your property at no extra cost.

Find a Mosquito Hero near you and get a free quote today!