Map Shows New Heartworm Hotspots for Dog Owners Across US
Summary
A new map from the American Heartworm Society shows that heartworm disease in dogs is spreading to more parts of the United States, including places that did not have many cases before. The disease, spread by mosquitoes, can be serious and even deadly for dogs, and experts say dog owners need to protect their pets all year round.Key Facts
- Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted by mosquito bites.
- Texas now has the highest number of heartworm cases, followed by several Southern states.
- New hotspots have appeared in states like California, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Maine.
- Heartworm infections have increased in some states compared to three years ago.
- Mosquito populations, including the Asian tiger mosquito, have spread farther north and west.
- Warmer temperatures and urban microclimates help mosquitoes live longer and spread heartworm more.
- Dogs traveling or moving to new areas can introduce heartworm where it was less common.
- Most heartworm cases happen because owners miss or delay giving prevention medication, not because the medicine fails.
- Experts advise year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs, even those kept mostly indoors.
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