It's the time of year for heartworm prevention!

Heartworm (dirofilaria immitis) is a blood-borne parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworm infects dogs and other canine species such as foxes, wolves, and coyotes. Cats can also become infected, although they are more resistant to infection.

Heartworm infection was once limited to the southern regions of the United States, however it is now found in most areas of the continental United States, Mexico, and Canada – including British Columbia.

In the Okanagan, we have done a fantastic job of keeping this infection at bay by keeping our dogs on heartworm prevention medication during the months that mosquitoes are active: from June to November.

Read on KelownaNow