How Are Heartworms Spread?
Heartworms are spread by mosquitos, which is a year-round problem in our area. A dog with heartworms has larvae, or baby heartworms, in its bloodstream. A mosquito then takes a bloodmeal off of that dog, and ingests heartworm larva. These larvae mature in the mosquito and are transmitted to another dog, cat, or ferret by the bite of this mosquito. Up to 7 larvae can be transmitted with each bite.