Heartworm Prevention
I have a
very small dog, a six-year-old chihuahua, and I was wondering if even the
tiniest of dogs still need to be given heart worm pills, even thought she
is rarely outside, except to go to the bathroom. Should I get some heart
worm pills from my vet?
Small dogs are just as susceptible to heartworms as large dogs. Heartworms are transmitted by certain species of mosquito. If you live in an area with mosquitoes, your Chihuahua may be vulnerable to the parasite. Your local veterinarian will be able to tell you if you live in a heartworm area. For instance, in Southern California, we do not have the species of mosquito that carries heartworm, so only people traveling with their dogs out of the area need to use the preventative medication.
Mosquitoes do find ways to enter your home, so even indoor dogs should have protection. Heartworm pills are only available from a licensed veterinarian. You should always have your dog tested before starting heartworm prevention medication, for if adult worms are already in your dog's heart, the preventative medication can be lethal.
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