Associates Animal Hospital
Westborough's Family-Oriented Small Animal Hospital
21 Summer Street, Westborough, MA 01581
(508) 870-0600
Susan Board Gillham, DVM
Paul J. Rosiello, DVM
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Pet Questions and Answers
Question: What is heartworm disease? How can my pet get it and how can it be prevented?
Answer: Heartworm disease may not be apparent in all dogs. Dogs should be tested annually for heartworm if not on year round prevention. Heartworm is transmitted through a mosquito bite and travels through the connective tissues to the heart. Heartworm prevention is highly recommened for all dogs (after a negative blood test); it should be given every 30 days all year round. Heartworm disease can be very costly to treat and if left untreated can lead to severe heart/lung/kidney disease, even death.  If your dog has missed doses of heartworm prevention, please contact your veterinarian.