While heartworm infections are preventable, a high percentage of dogs still get the infection every year. Heartworm preventatives are safe, effective, and comfortable, yet why are there many dogs still suffering from heartworm disease? Here are important things you need to know about heartworm infection and your canine buddy.

• Heartworm infections don’t occur only in warm humid regions of the country. Today, people and their pets are extremely mobile and this can increase the transmission and incidence of heartworm disease among susceptible dogs. 
• All dogs should be tested yearly for heartworm before they are started on preventatives. Since all dogs are susceptible to infection, yearly testing should be a part of their preventive health care program.
• Coyotes and un-owned stray dogs are some important reservoir hosts of heartworms.
• Heartworm disease is mosquito-borne. Even a single bite from an infected mosquito can already introduce heartworm to your dog.

Consult with your Flushing, MI vet if you have any concerns about your pet’s health. Click on this link for more pet care info.