Heartworm
Three Misconceptions About Heartworm
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Brought to you by the maker of HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel)
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Common Misconceptions
THREE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT HEARTWORMS
MYTH 1: Indoor dogs are not at risk.
TRUTH: Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. One mosquito bite is all it takes for a dog to be
infected. All dogs are at risk.
MYTH 2: Only dogs in heartworm epidemic areas like southeastern states need protection against heartworms.
TRUTH: Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. One million dogs are estimated to be
heartworm positive in the United States each year.1 The disease continues to spread to new
regions. The best way to protect your dog is to administer a heartworm preventive year-round
as directed by your veterinarian.
MYTH 3: Treatment for heartworm disease is just as easy as preventing it.
TRUTH: Treatment requires arsenic-based injections to kill the heartworms living in a dog's lungs and
heart. In comparison to heartworm prevention, the treatment is expensive (up to $1,000) and
can be traumatic and risky. It is much easier to prevent heartworms than to treat them.
Important Safety Information:
HEARTGARD (ivermectin) is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com.
Click here to download full prescribing information.
1 Vital statistics for your veterinary practice. In: Landeck E, ed. The Veterinary Fee Reference 6th ed., Lakewood, CO: AAHA Press, 2009;57, 200, 213, 226, 259, 333.
2Market Dynamics: Share report monthly canine heartworm preventives, vet-dispensed treatment; Data on file at Merial.
®HEARTGARD is a registered trademark of Merial.
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