Heartworm disease causes severe cardiopulmonary suffering in affected dogs and is entirely preventable through regular prophylactic medication in endemic regions.
Heartworm disease causes prolonged cardiopulmonary suffering — dogs with established infection experience progressive exercise intolerance, respiratory distress and cardiac compromise. The tragedy is complete preventability through inexpensive monthly medications. Treatment of established infection is welfare-costly even when successful, involving months of restricted exercise and risks of treatment-related complications. In endemic regions, regular preventive medication is a fundamental welfare responsibility of dog ownership.