At Candlewood Veterinary Clinic, protecting your pet from preventable illnesses is one of our top priorities. Dr. Grieves and Dr. White are dedicated to keeping your dog healthy and safe, and one of the most important steps in doing so is ensuring consistent heartworm prevention.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition—but the good news is that it’s almost entirely preventable. That’s why our doctors strongly recommend year-round heartworm protection with reliable products like Heartgard Plus or ProHeart 12.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm transmitted by mosquitoes. Even a single bite from an infected mosquito can introduce microscopic larvae into your dog’s bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels.
As the disease progresses, it can lead to:
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Persistent coughing
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Fatigue or decreased activity
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Difficulty breathing
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Heart failure
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Lung disease and organ damage
Because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, prevention is absolutely essential.
Why We Recommend Year-Round Protection
1. Mosquitoes Are Active More Often Than You Think
In our region, mosquitoes don’t follow a strict schedule. Warm weather arrives earlier some years and lingers longer in others. Some mosquitoes even overwinter indoors. Since it only takes one bite to transmit heartworms, consistent protection is the safest approach.
2. Missing a Dose Creates Risk
Heartworm preventatives do not work forward—they work backward. Each dose eliminates larvae acquired in the previous month.
Missing even one dose allows larvae to mature past the stage that preventatives can target, increasing the risk of infection.
3. Heartworm Cases Are Increasing Nationwide
Due to shifting climate patterns and expanding mosquito populations, heartworm incidence has been rising across the country. Dr. Grieves and Dr. White closely monitor current veterinary guidelines, and year-round protection remains the most effective way to keep your dog safe.
4. Prevention Is Far Easier and Safer Than Treatment
Treating heartworm disease is difficult, expensive, and stressful for both pets and owners. Dogs typically require months of strict exercise restriction, multiple medications, and careful monitoring. Preventatives are far more affordable—and protect your dog from unnecessary suffering.
Our Recommended Heartworm Preventatives
Heartgard Plus
A monthly, beef-flavored chewable that protects against:
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Heartworms
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Roundworms
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Hookworms
Most dogs take it like a treat, making it easy for families to maintain a consistent schedule.
ProHeart 12
A once-a-year injectable heartworm preventative administered here at Candlewood Veterinary Clinic.
This is an excellent option for:
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Owners who prefer not to remember monthly medications
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Dogs who refuse chewable preventatives
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Pets who need guaranteed, uninterrupted protection
ProHeart 12 also offers protection against hookworms.
We're Here to Help Protect Your Pet's Health
At Candlewood Veterinary Clinic, we take pride in offering the most effective, compassionate care for your pets. Dr. Grieves and Dr. White are always available to answer your questions and help you choose the right heartworm prevention plan for your dog.
To keep your dog’s heart healthy and strong, year-round heartworm prevention is the smartest and safest choice.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment or discuss which preventative is right for your pet, we’re here to help!
