Does the age of a dog have anything to do with better success in treatment for heartworm disease?
The age of the dog is just one factor to consider when treating a dog for heartworms. Older dogs with long-term heartworm infections may have damaged lungs, hearts, livers, and kidneys that could potentially complicate heartworm treatment. But if a dog has moderately healthy organs and is exercise-restricted, he should have a successful treatment regardless of age. Does a mother dog produce antibodies for puppies, so that they are immune from heartworm infection? No, there is no maternal transfer of protection against heartworms. If puppies are exposed to mosquitoes carrying infective larvae, they can be infected. In areas with year-round potential for infection, puppies should be started on heartworm preventive by eight weeks of age. In areas where there is minimal risk of heartworm infection during the colder months, the puppy should be started in early spring / summer, as indicated by your veterinarian. My cat goes outside daily. Should I put her on heartworm prevention medication?
