Typically, heartworm health problems arise from a dog being bitten by mosquitos. Areas of the US that are particularly susceptible are the Gulf and Atlantic coastal areas, though mosquitos in most parts of the country carry heartworm. Dogs need preventative heartworm medication to protect them from canine health problems arising from heartworm, should they become infected. It only takes one mosquito bite, so preventative heartworm treatment is definitely recommended.

Symptoms that your dog has heartworms include:

• shortness of breath
  
• coughing
  
• rapid breathing
  
• weight loss

What canine heartworm treatment should you get for your dog?

This does depend somewhat on where you live in terms of it being a hot or cold climate. Tropical areas where mosquitos are more prevalent, like North Queensland in Australia, and South-East Asia, have a higher risk for dogs contracting heartworm and developing subsequent canine health problems. This is simply because there are more mosquitos around, and for longer.

If you live in a colder climate, your dog may only need heartworm medication during the mosquito season. But even in this instance, many vets like to err on the side of safety and give canine heartworm treatments all year round.

Canine heartworm treatments come in a variety of forms. More traditional forms include a pill that you can give daily, and one that is given monthly. And these days, there are a variety of topical applications that you can apply to the back of a dogs neck and which is absorbed into their system through their skin. There are even combination products such as Advocate's (for dogs and cats), that take care of fleas, worms, sarcoptic mange mite, and lice. It is very effective against fleas, even when fleas have become immune to Frontline or Revolution.

One important tip before you get your dog treated for heartworm prevention. It can be dangerous to give a dog heartworm medication if it has heartworm, so ask for a blood test from your vet first.

And remember, though it is rare, dogs can die from heartworm infection. So this is one canine health problem that is easily, and preferably, avoided. It only takes one mosquito bite. So even if your dog is an indoor dog, don't forget that mosquitos can still get inside, even with screens up. Doors and windows open and shut, people go in and out, small cracks and holes can appear in places we may miss. Canine heartworm treatment is a fairly simple procedure, so visit your local vet or pet store today!