A study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that only 39.5% of dogs enrolled in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study were on heartworm-preventing medications.
In the Southern United States, where heartworm disease is most prevalent, 49.5% of dogs were on preventives, while Goldens in the Pacific region were least likely to be protected.
Principal researcher Dr. Lauren Wisnieski, an associate professor of public health and research at Lincoln Memorial University, explained that studies investigating heartworm prophylactic use in dogs are rare. She said the prolonged mosquito season in many states makes year-round protection critical.
The Lincoln Memorial research team identified these factors that increased a dog’s likelihood of receiving heartworm preventive medication:
- Living in a Southern state.
- Being spayed or neutered.
- A diagnosed ear, nose or throat condition.
- Receiving heartworm preventives in the past.
- Receiving flea and tick preventives.
- Living in a mostly carpeted house.
- Spending time indoors in rooms with hardwood floors.
- Receiving vaccines, especially those other than rabies and Bordetella.
The researchers theorized that the owners of dogs living in homes with carpeted rooms and hardwood floors have a higher socioeconomic status and can afford heartworm preventives.
The factors that decreased the likelihood of receiving heartworm preventives included:
- Living in the Pacific region.
- Being an intact male.
- Being 25 inches tall or taller.
- Receiving supplements.
The researchers theorized that height is a factor because of its correlation with an animal’s weight — the owner of a larger dog might find heartworm preventives cost-prohibitive. They also speculated that owners who provide supplements might take a holistic and naturopathic approach to pet care.
“This data can help inform how veterinarians talk to clients,” Dr. Wisnieski said. “It can also help identify populations that have risks of nonadherence. Prevention is a cheaper alternative to the financial burden of treating heartworm disease later.”
The Lincoln Memorial team plans to broaden its research to diverse dog breeds and evaluate the impact of heartworm preventive costs on the human-animal bond.