Heartworm Disease is caused by a tiny worm carried by mosquitoes called a microfilaria. The microfilaria is injected into the pet’s body when the mosquito bites. The blood transports the microfilaria to the heart and through the heart to the lungs.  There, the heartworm matures to adulthood and grows to be several inches long. As an adult, the heartworm is able to breed and produce more microfilaria which can be picked up by blood-sucking mosquitoes and carried to other pets. Heartworm Disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states and is most often found in the eastern and southern United States. Pets that live outdoors are at the most risk for heartworm disease.

If discovered in time, heartworms can be eliminated, but treatment is difficult, dangerous, and expensive. And even with treatment, heartworms cause permanent damage. Although the treatment isn't nearly as dangerous as many people seem to believe, regular testing followed by treatment when needed is not a reasonable alternative to prevention. Vets recommend Interceptor Chewable Tablets, because dogs seem to like the taste and they need to be given only once a month. In addition, Interceptor kills hookworms, whipworms and roundworms, eliminating the need for separate worming medications and routine fecal examinations. It is important to use Interceptor every month without fail, especially if you are in a high risk region.