The Life Cycle of Heartworms in your Pet

Did you know that mammals are an essential part of the heartworm life cycle as well as mosquitoes? In honor of National Heartworm Awareness Month, we're sharing how important your pet is to the heartworm life cycle.

How long does it take heartworm larvae to reach adulthood?

Once inside a pet, the L3 larvae molt into L4 larvae in seven to 14 days, then to L5 larvae in 45 to 60 days. The L5 larvae will penetrate the small arteries in the outer parts of the lungs on their way to the heart and eventually become adult heartworms.

Where do adult heartworms live?

If heartworms had a choice, they would pick a canine host to grow and reproduce in. Your dog and wild canines act as the greatest reservoir of adult heartworms. Inside your pet's pulmonary artery, the female heartworms give birth to tiny larvae (L1) called microfilariae.

How are mosquitoes responsible for infecting pets with heartworms?

As the L1 larvae circulate in an animal's bloodstream, they wait for a mosquito to transport them to a new host. The L1 larvae cannot complete their development into adult heartworms without first being passed through a mosquito.

Keep your furry friend safe from the threat of heartworm disease by stocking up on heartworm prevention. Talk to our team about the best product for your pet's lifestyle.