Recent assessments show that approximately 68%, or more than 2 out of 3 dogs, seen by US veterinarians each year leave the veterinary practice without heartworm disease prevention.^1,2 Knowing this number, it should come as no surprise that the latest incidence maps from the American Heartworm Society show an upward trend in the overall heartworm infection rates in the US.³ 

When it comes to slowing the increase in prevalence of heartworm disease, improving pet owner compliance is a critical and challenging issue. Heartworm disease is devastating, but it is also preventable. So why are so many dogs leaving vet clinics unprotected? How can we collectively get pet owners to comply? Are pet owners consciously keeping their pets unprotected? Or do they not truly understand the terrible risks of heartworm disease or the benefits of consistent monthly prevention? While we may feel like veterinarians are having the heartworm disease conversation with clients ad nauseam, the results indicate that the entire profession could do better when it comes to recommending and following through with heartworm disease prevention. 

Let’s think of dog owners in these categories: 

• Dog owners who consistently give their dog monthly heartworm disease prevention. They are our gold standard pet owner—the standard we strive to achieve with all dog owners. 
• Dog owners who are inconsistent with their pet’s monthly prevention. At least they are trying. Continue to recognize and praise their efforts. Let’s take this opportunity to educate them further on the benefits of consistent dosing. 
• Dog owners who consistently give their dog flea and tick protection and believe it also prevents heartworm disease. They too are our gold standard that comes with the opportunity to educate them on how to fully protect their dog. 
• Dog owners who refuse to give their dog heartworm disease prevention. You may not change their minds, but it’s important to keep educating them that heartworm disease has permanent consequences. 

So, how do we increase consistent compliance among dog owners? Keep having the heartworm disease conversation with pet owners. They still rely on you for your expertise and trusted recommendation when it comes to their pet’s health and well-being. You may feel that the prevention conversation seems like a “sales pitch.” You didn’t enter the profession to sell meds. But you did become a vet to protect your patients. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s your trusted recommendation pet owners are looking for, for the long-term health of their dog. 

Here are a few ways to get the conversation started: 

• Ask if they know what heartworm disease is and what the risks are to their dog 
• Ask if they know what the risk of heartworm disease is in their area 
• Ask if they are actively/consistently providing heartworm prevention each month 
• If they are not concerned with heartworm disease, ask them why. Be ready to explain the benefits to help justify the cost of consistent prevention. 

Also, ensure that your entire staff has the information they need to support these conversations. We know that you’ll agree that 2 out of 3 dogs leaving the vet clinic unprotected is unacceptable. We have an opportunity to be part of the solution. Prioritize the heartworm disease prevention conversation with every dog owner during every visit so we can #ProtectMoreDogs. 

Reference: 

1. Drake J, Wiseman S. Increasing incidence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in USA with focus on the southeast region 2013-2016. Parasit Vectors. 2018 Jan 17;11(1):39.  

2. Data on file at IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Westbrook, Maine USA. 

3. New American Heartworm Society Heartworm Incidence Map Reveals Upward Trend in Heartworm Cases. American Heartworm Society. Published April 11, 2023. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/in-the-news/825-new-american-heartworm- society-heartworm-incidence-map-reveals-upward-trend-in-heartworm-cases