Heartworm disease causes serious cardiopulmonary damage in dogs and is preventable with monthly or annual preventive medications, making prevention the cornerstone of welfare management.
Adult heartworm infection causes progressive cardiopulmonary disease including coughing, exercise intolerance, and right-sided heart failure. The treatment itself carries significant risk of pulmonary thromboembolism as dead worms are reabsorbed. Extended cage rest during treatment is stressful for active dogs. Prevention is dramatically superior to treatment from both welfare and cost perspectives. Year-round prevention in endemic areas eliminates the welfare burden of this entirely preventable disease.