Pamela Dumont, Peak to Peak. Between 2013 and 2017, the prevalence of heartworm positive dogs has increased by 67.5 percent, with more than 114,000 dogs being transferred to Colorado from heartworm endemic states, such as New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Natural disasters, overcrowding and organizations in desperate need of assistance have caused the increase of dogs transferred to Colorado, which also increases the risk of heartworm transmission locally. Heartworm infections have been reported in wild mammals, such as coyotes and foxes, as well as household pets like ferrets and cats. It is most commonly reported in our furry canine friends.

Heartworms (Dirofilariasis immitis) are transmitted by mosquitos. A mosquito bites an infected animal then transmits the disease onto the next animal it bites. The larvae travel through the puncture in the skin, make their way into the bloodstream and eventually end up in the lungs and heart of the infected dog, maturing into adult heartworms along the way.  Due to the transmission and life cycle of these parasites, it may take up to seven months after an infected mosquito bites a dog to show up positive on a heartworm test. 

With the increased number of positive cases, Colorado veterinarians are becoming more diligent about informing owners about the importance of getting yearly heartworm testing and starting pets on monthly preventative. If your pet is six months or older, it’s important to get them tested prior to starting a monthly preventative. This test requires a few drops of blood and can be performed in-house at your local veterinary hospital and you can have results within ten minutes. If your pet does test positive for this disease, don’t fret too much! In most cases, it is 100 percent treatable with proper care and medications, but can be fatal in advanced infections. 

With the numerous brands and kinds of heartworm prevention, you can find the right brand to fit your needs and budget. The prevention is as simple as one tablet or palatable chew given once a month.  The brand Interceptor, for example, protects dogs from heartworms as well as roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms, which are intestinal parasites. Heartworm disease is preventable; please speak to your local veterinarian and get your pooch protected. 

Pamela Dumont is a Veterinary Technician at Nederland Veterinary Hospital.