Canine heartworm disease develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae of a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis.

As a mosquito feeds, these microscopic larvae are deposited under the surface of the skin and quickly migrate into the dog’s bloodstream. Their final destination is the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries where they grow up to 12 inches in length causing lung disease and heart failure.

Fortunately, it is easy to prevent with a monthly dose of either Heartguard or Interceptor.

Before starting on heartworm preventative, your dog must be tested unless it is 6 months of age or younger. The test we utilize not only detects heartworm infection it also tests for Lymes Disease and Ehrlichia which are tick-borne diseases.

We recommend year-round preventative.