Dog Heartworm Prevention and Welfare

Heartworm disease causes serious suffering and death in dogs, and is entirely preventable through widely available prophylactic medications — making prevention a welfare responsibility for all dog owners.

Key Facts

Heartworm is a parasitic nematode transmitted by mosquitoes that causes progressive heart and lung damage in dogs.
Advanced heartworm disease causes exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and heart failure over months to years.
Treatment of established heartworm infection is expensive, prolonged, and carries significant risks for the dog.
Monthly preventative medications including ivermectin-based products are highly effective and widely available.
Heartworm is prevalent throughout the Americas, parts of Europe, and increasingly in previously non-endemic regions as climate changes.

Welfare Considerations

Heartworm disease is a preventable welfare problem that causes prolonged, progressive suffering in affected dogs. The availability of highly effective preventatives means that heartworm in any dog receiving basic veterinary care represents a preventable welfare failure. In endemic regions, compliance with year-round prevention is one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost welfare investments a dog owner can make.

What You Can Do

Administer heartworm preventative monthly year-round if you live in an endemic region.
Test your dog annually for heartworm infection even when using preventatives, as directed by your vet.
Consult your vet about appropriate heartworm prevention products for your dog's size, weight, and health status.
Support access to affordable veterinary care programs that make preventive medication accessible to all dog owners.