Facts About Heartworms

In 2004, Texas led the nation in heartworm infection. Heartworms can prove fatal to pets if not treated. But treatment is expensive, and can be difficult on the animal as well. When it comes to heartworm, prevention is better than cure.

• The mosquito is the only known vector for transmitting heartworm.
• Virtually 100% of dogs exposed to infective heartworm larvae become infected; the percentage drops to 61% to 90% of cats.
• Heartworm infection in cats exists everywhere heartworm in dogs exists.
• The American Heartworm Society (AHS) estimates that only 55% of dogs in the U.S. are currently on a heartworm preventive, leaving 27 million dogs at risk of acquiring heartworm disease.
• A study performed at North Carolina State University indicated that 27% of cats infected with heartworms were solely indoor cats.
• Research suggests that heartworm disease could be virtually eradicated using available preventives.
• Only 55% of the dogs in the United States get some kind of heartworm preventive, leaving 27 million dogs at risk.