Is Heartgard Necessary During Winter Months?

Is it safe to skip Heartgard for your pet during the winter months? While it’s true that there are fewer mosquitoes in the winter, it’s important to note that heartworm prevention is a year-round necessity for your pet’s health. Even in the colder months, there is still a risk that your pet could contract heartworms if you discontinue their heartworm prevention medication. This is why veterinarians strongly advise maintaining heartworm prevention medication throughout all seasons. By doing so, you can ensure your pet remains protected from this potentially life-threatening disease, no matter the time of year. (Updated as of January 24, 2023)

Is heartworm a concern during the winter months? Yes, it is a common misconception that dogs are safe from heartworm infection during winter because mosquitoes, which transmit heartworm larvae, are less active. However, it’s important to note that dogs can indeed contract heartworms in the winter. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), heartworm prevention should be administered year-round to ensure your dog’s protection, regardless of the season. So, even when temperatures drop and mosquitoes seem less active, the risk of heartworm infection remains, making consistent deworming an essential part of your dog’s healthcare regimen. (Updated information as of December 17, 2021).

Is it necessary to administer Heartgard to dogs on a monthly basis? This question arises because some may believe that the monthly heartworm preventative prescribed for dogs and cats lasts in their bodies for only one to two days, rather than the full 30 days. However, it’s important to clarify that the need for a monthly heartworm preventative arises from the life cycle of heartworms. These parasites, once transmitted to a pet, undergo various stages of development over the course of a month. As a result, consistent administration of the preventative medication every 30 days is essential to ensure effective protection against heartworm infection. This information helps us understand the reasoning behind the monthly schedule for Heartgard and highlights its significance in safeguarding our pets’ health. (Published on June 16, 2020).