Heartworm is delivered by a simple mosquito bite. In geographic areas near water, it’s common to have these diseased mosquitoes all over. The assumption is that all mosquitoes carry the potentially fatal larvae that turn into the troublesome worms once they enter the dog’s bloodstream and grow uncontrollably.

The safest, but by no means simplest, method is to go your family to South Dakota where there are no known cases of heartworm in cats or dogs. If that seems out of the question, the next most effective option is simply to keep mosquitoes away from your dog. Considering we can’t even keep mosquitoes away from us most of the time, this is no simple task. But, we can be very diligent in applying ointments to our pets just as we apply them to ourselves. One trick that seems to work wonders is garlic. Bugs despise garlic, but dogs like it! Add some chopped garlic to each meal – he’ll be pleased and healthy.

Healthy, active dogs have a better chance of warding off the disease even they are bitten. A strong heart and circulation, along with a healthy immune system will prevent the worms from causing any hurt; they won’t be able to grow, and they won’t be able to take up residence in the vital organs like hearts and lungs.

Monthly prescription medication is the real key. It must be applied diligently – on time, in the right amount, in the right place. One tiny mistake could place your dog at risk. The medications are simple to apply really and all you need to do is break open a capsule and squeeze it onto the back of his neck, in an area he can’t reach to lick or scratch. It sinks into the skin and enters the bloodstream immediately.

Many of these preventive medicines prevent not only heartworm but fleas, ticks, their larvae, and other types of worms.

Even though prevention is vital, commonly prescribed, and in many states nearly mandatory for your dog’s health, many dogs suffer serious adverse effects. These medications are strong and if applied to an ill, ancient, or weak dog, you could be causing some serious side effects such as seizures, paralysis or even coma. The problem is that these don’t happen straight away all the time; poisons frequently build up silently in the body and it could months to tell your pet is experiencing some adverse side effects.