I am sure that the majority of the readers here have a general understanding of heartworms, but I thought that it might be worth another mention since we are heading into cold weather and many owners feel that is some sort of immunity against heartworms.

I recently had a bit of a scare when it comes to heartworms with one of my three dogs that caused me to reflect on and research heartworms.

Here are some interesting facts concerning heartworms:

• Heartworms have been reported in all 50 states.
• The southeast is particularly at high risk.
• Once infected, it can take up to six months to show symptoms
• Cats are also susceptible to heartworms and there is NO effective treatment once a cat is infected.
• Treatment for heartworms in dogs is painful, complicated, expensive, long, and not always successful.
• Treatment involves an arsenic based compound that is injected into the heart muscle.
• Any dog, of any age, of any breed can be infected with heartworms.

As a responsible dog owner, we all know that prevention is the best option for our beloved dogs. Prevention is as easy as administering a pill (usually something that is flavored thereby making it easy to give the dog) once a month.

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito transmits the infective larvae to the dog. From there it takes up to six months for the larvae to mature into the adult worms. These worms grow and thrive in the heart and lungs of the animal. The animal will most certainly die without treatment and treatment does not guarantee recovery.

So what about Winter?

Pet owners seem to be under the mistaken assumption that wintertime means immunity from heartworms. In extreme cold weather climes, this could indeed be the case, but it is not a guarantee. A single living mosquito (perhaps one has taken shelter in your home that you were not aware of) can transmit this life threatening disease.

You might visit a warmer climate with your dog, which can put it at risk. No one can be certain when the mosquitos return after winter. Usually your first clue is a bite, by then it could be too late for your dog.

Opting out of monthly treatments for your dog simply because you think the weather is too cold for mosquitos is not worth the risk of your dog contracting this completely preventable and painful disease.