Heartworm Prevention for Your Pet

Giving your dog heartworm prevention year-round is very important and is recommended by our veterinary staff. Many do not know that according to the American Heartworm Society, which tracks heartworm prevalence across the United States, Ohio falls within the region where heartworm disease is endemic. This means that while not every dog or cat may contract heartworm, the risk is present, and preventative measures are strongly recommended.
 

Here are some important reasons for why it is important to give your pet heartworm prevention year round:
 

Consistent Protection

Heartworm preventatives are most effective when administered regularly. Giving the medication year-round ensures continuous protection against heartworm infection, regardless of seasonal variations in mosquito activity.

Unpredictable Weather

Ohio's weather can be unpredictable, with warmer periods occurring even in winter months. Mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm disease, can be active whenever temperatures rise above 57°F (14°C), which can happen even in colder months. Even today, on February 21st, it is predicted to get to 60 degrees F mid-day!

Travel

If you travel with your dog to areas where heartworm prevalence is higher or where mosquitoes are active year-round, such as southern states, keeping them on heartworm prevention year-round helps ensure they are protected wherever they go.

Prevention of Other Parasites

Many heartworm preventatives also protect against other parasites such as intestinal worms and fleas. Administering these medications year-round ensures your dog is protected from multiple parasites, not just heartworms.

Avoiding Gaps in Protection

Stopping and starting prevention based on seasonal changes increases the risk of missing doses, which can leave your dog vulnerable to heartworm
infection.

Cost-Effective

While it may seem like an added expense, preventing heartworm infection is far less costly and less stressful than treating a dog with heartworm disease, which can be a long and expensive process.


Overall, giving your dog heartworm prevention year-round in Ohio is a proactive approach to protecting their health and ensuring they remain free from heartworm and other parasitic infections. Please ask our team here at Animal Hospital of New Albany if you have any questions about heartworm disease or the products available to prevent heartworm disease in your pet.