10) Being unaware that cats and ferrets as well as dogs may become infected with heartworms.

9) Being in denial that there are mosquitos in your area.

8) Having a pet that refuses to take oral medication even if it is disguised as a treat.

7) Using a topical heartworm preventative and then bathing your pet frequently with harsh shampoos that strip the medication from the coat.

6) Skipping one or more doses of heartworm preventative.

5) Splitting a larger heartworm tablet or chewy for a lower weight pet. The distribution of medication may not be evenly distributed throughout the tablet or chewy thereby causing the pet to receive an inadequate dose of medication

4) Not checking a new dog for heartworms and starting a preventative program or not starting a new puppy or kitten on heartworm preventative as a young pet.

3) Not increasing the heartworm preventative dosage with the weight of the pet. For example: starting a puppy on a certain dosage and then failing to increase the dose of heartworm preventative as the puppy grows.

2) Assuming that your pet is safe because he/she spends no time outside. Outdoor cats that are constantly bombarded with mosquitoes mount a stronger immune response to heartworms than indoor cats that are infrequently exposed. Indoor cats are thereby more susceptible to heartworm infection than are outside cats. Don’t forget that mosquitoes can come inside the house, too. And it only takes one mosquito bite to transmit heartworms.

1) Not using heartworm preventative year round. Many owners stop heartworm preventative too early in the fall or winter and/or start too late in the spring. Dogs will need to be retested before resuming a heartworm preventative program, thereby negating any cost savings. The pet needs to stay on heartworm preventative for two months after there are no longer any mosquitoes present. In most parts of the U.S., year round use of heartworm preventatives is necessary.