If a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito late in the season and then skips his heartworm preventative through the winter months, this means that heartworm larvae are being allowed to grow unimpaired into adult worms, which cannot be killed by your regular heartworm preventative when you resume in the spring.
Do I need to give my dog heartworm medication year-round?
That's one reason veterinarians often recommend that pets receive heartworm prevention medication all year long. Although there are a fewer number of mosquitoes in the winter, there is still a risk that an animal could contract heartworms if the owner stops giving medication during this season.
Can dogs get heartworm in the winter time?
Yes, dogs can get heartworms in the winter. As heartworm larvae spread through mosquito bites, some people believe dogs can't get heartworm in the winter, as mosquitoes are inactive. However, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's essential you deworm your dog year-round.
What time of year do dogs get heartworm?
Dogs become infected with heartworms through mosquito bites, so if you live in a climate with cold late autumns and winters, why worry about giving your dog preventive medication every single month of the year?
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