If my puppy is taking heartworm prevention and got bit by a mosquito, can he get still get heartworms?
I have 4 month old dachshund who is now up to date with all of his shots. I took him out for a walk and after the walk noticed a small pink bump on his belly. He is due for is next heartworm prevention pill on the first of September. I have been good about given him his heartworm prevention. Can he still get heartworms if he was bit by a mosquito and taking his heartworm prevention?
Heartworm prevention works by killing the larvae before they can root in the heart. That is why you need to use it everymonth. It doesn’t really prevent the dog from getting heartworms, it just kills them before they can get big enough to take root and hurt the dog. So yes, your dog gets heartworms all the time. But the heartworm preventative kills them before they can grow and digest his heart. That is how it protects dogs from heartworm infestations. Your dog will be fine if you keep it on Heartguard.