Parasite Profile

Heartworms are among the most dangerous parasitic worms that infect dogs. Hundreds of thousands of cases of canine heartworm disease are reported in the US every year.1 The disease is passed from infected dogs to other dogs by mosquitoes. That means all of these dogs are at risk for heartworm disease.

The disease is spread when a mosquito, previously infected by biting an infected ("reservoir") dog, bites a dog and deposits tiny immature heartworms, called larvae, near the bite wound. Then, the larvae enter the wound and migrate beneath the skin, eventually reaching the heart and lungs. These unwelcome intruders can grow up to 12 inches in length. Heartworm disease is debilitating, and may even prove fatal.

Targets

All dogs are potential targets for heartworm disease. In fact, canine heartworm disease has been detected in all 50 states.2

1. Heartworms in Dogs. Available at: www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/heartworms.html. Accessed on December 14, 2009.
2. American Heartworm Society, Canine Guidelines. Available at: www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/canine-guidelines.html. Accessed on December 16, 2009.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: HEARTGARD (ivermectin) is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program.. Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com