How Do Dogs Get Heartworms? The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Dog Safe

The deadly and invasive parasite kills hundreds of pets per year. Here’s how to protect your dog from heartworm.

By Stephen C. George
Jul 24, 2023 1:00 PM
Dog at vet
(Credit: all_about-people/Shutterstock)

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By itself, Dirofilaria immitis looks about as threatening as a strand of limp spaghetti. In fact, it looks a lot like a strand of limp spaghetti. But in their hundreds, when these unassuming little roundworms grow to adulthood, they can cause serious and often fatal problems for your pet. And the worst part is, you might not see the signs until it’s too late.

We’re talking, of course, about heartworms, a devastating parasite that infects about 1 in every 100 dogs. Here’s what you need to know about heartworms and the most effective ways to save your pet from infection.

How Do Dogs Get Infected?

(Credit: BlueRingMedia/Shutterstock)
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