Heartworm disease in dogs is an infection of Dirofilaria immitis of the arteries and right side of heart. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. All unprotected dogs are at risk of contracting Heartworm disease, more so if they spend a majority of their time outside. Dogs that are infected with Heartworm often show no clinical signs, or minimal signs, such as occasionally coughing. Exercise intolerance and a lot of coughing are associated with moderate pulmonary damage. Signs of an extreme infection would include vomiting blood. A simple blood test can determine if your dog is positive for heartworm. If a positive result occurs then farther testing is needed to determine the number of adult worms that are infecting heart. Based on this information the appropriate medication and treatment plan is selected. If a heartworm test comes back as a negative, using a prophylactic is strongly recommended. Heartgard Plus or another preventative will keep your pet safe from contracting this potentially fatal disease. Our philosophy here is that a simple monthly treat that can prevent the spread of heartworm is worth the cost in comparison to losing your pet to a preventable disease, Typically the cost to prevent the growth of heartworms is $5 a month. Well worth it.