Why We Recommend Year-Round Heartworm Prevention—Even in North Dakota

Heartworm Prevention Fargo ND – Veterinarian-Recommended Parasite Control

As veterinarians in North Dakota, we’re often asked: “Do I really need to keep my dog on heartworm prevention year-round?” After all, our winters are long and cold, and mosquitoes—the carriers of heartworm—seem to disappear for months at a time.

The short answer: Yes, absolutely.

Heartworm disease is serious and potentially deadly, and the reality is that North Dakota is not immune. While we may not have the same number of heartworm cases as states like Texas or Florida, we still see infected pets every year—often because people travel with their dogs or rescue animals from high-prevalence areas.

One missed dose of prevention can leave a dog vulnerable. Heartworm preventatives work retroactively, killing off any larvae introduced in the previous month. So if a dose is skipped or given late, your pet could be at risk—and there’s no warning sign until it’s too late.

Treating heartworm is costly, lengthy, and risky. It involves powerful injections and strict rest for months, and even then, complications can arise. The good news? Prevention is simple, safe, and affordable.

We recommend year-round protection with products like Simparica Trio, which not only guard against heartworm, but also fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. It's a once-a-month chew that covers many threats in one tasty treat.

Climate change and increased mobility of pets and people mean heartworm is showing up in places it never did before. And because we often don’t find it until it’s advanced, staying on top of prevention is the smartest, kindest thing we can do for our pets.

At Two Rivers Vet Hospital, we believe in proactive, not reactive, medicine. If you have questions about year-round heartworm prevention, we’re always here to help you decide what’s best for your pet.