Heartworms are among the most dangerous parasitic worms that can infect dogs. Each year over 1 million dogs are diagnosed with heartworm disease.
Treatment for heartworm disease is difficult, expensive, lengthy, and may be traumatic to the dog and owner. Dogs receive a series of arsenic-based shots to kill the worms and must spend up to 6-8 weeks in an environment that will not tax the dog's heart and lungs any further. This may call for crating the animal to limit activity and prevent overexertion.
Watch our puppet show about how heartworms can affect your furry family member: