““🐾 Mosquitoes, Heartworms & Your Dog: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know This Summer 🐾 ””

Summer brings sunshine, poolside play, and outdoor adventures with your pup—but it also brings something less welcome: mosquitoes. And while they might just seem like a minor nuisance, these flying pests can pose a life-threatening danger to our dogs.

At Teddy Bear Goldendoodles, we’re passionate about keeping our pups happy and healthy. That’s why we’re shining a spotlight on heartworm disease, how it’s spread by mosquitoes, and what you can do to protect your dog this summer.

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🦟 Why Mosquitoes Are More Than a Buzzing Bother

Mosquitoes are more than just annoying—they’re disease carriers. The most serious threat they pose to our dogs is the transmission of heartworm disease, caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis.

Here’s what happens:
1.    A mosquito bites an infected animal (usually another dog, coyote, or fox).
2.    It picks up microscopic baby heartworms (called microfilariae).
3.    That mosquito then bites your dog, transferring the larvae into the bloodstream.
4.    Within 6 months, those larvae develop into adult worms that live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels.

One single mosquito bite is all it takes.

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❤️ What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms can grow to be up to 12 inches long and infest your dog’s heart and lungs. Without treatment, the result can be devastating.

Heartworm disease can cause:
•   Lung disease
•   Heart failure
•   Organ damage
•   Sudden death

Symptoms of infection include:
•   Persistent coughing
•   Fatigue after mild activity
•   Decreased appetite
•   Weight loss
•   Swollen belly (from fluid accumulation)
•   In severe cases: collapse and cardiovascular distress

This disease is preventable—but not easily treated, especially once it reaches an advanced stage. Prevention is truly the best approach.

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🩺 Preventing Heartworms: What Every Dog Needs

We believe every dog deserves protection. Here’s how to stay ahead of heartworm disease:

✅ 1. Use a Year-Round Preventative

Even skipping one dose could open a window for infection.

Options include:
•   Monthly chewables (Heartgard, Interceptor, Sentinel)
•   Topical preventatives
•   Injections (like ProHeart, which lasts 6–12 months)

Ask your vet which one is best for your dog’s age, weight, and lifestyle.

✅ 2. Annual Heartworm Testing

Even dogs on prevention should be tested once a year. This simple test ensures the medication is working and catches any possible breakthrough infections early.

✅ 3. Reduce Mosquito Exposure
•   Keep dogs indoors during peak mosquito hours (dawn/dusk)
•   Eliminate standing water from your yard
•   Use pet-safe mosquito repellents
•   Keep your dog’s bedding and outdoor areas clean and screened

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🐶 What About Puppies?

Puppies can begin heartworm prevention as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age, depending on the medication. At Smeraglia, our puppies start on a protocol early, and we always encourage new owners to continue it consistently after Gotcha Day.

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💬 Let’s Talk: What Are You Using?

Every region is different, and we love hearing from our doodle family!
What heartworm preventative are you using in your area?
What did your vet recommend for your dog this summer?

Share your experience in the comments or drop us a message—we’re always learning from our community. Your story could help another dog parent make a great decision!

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With love and summertime snuggles,
Sherri Smeraglia
Founder, Teddy Bear Goldendoodles
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