Understanding Heartworm Medication Use

Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs can be costly and is associated with side effects. Prevention remains the best way to keep dogs safe from developing this potentially life-threatening disease. Using data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, researchers will build predictive models for heartworm preventive use. The models will incorporate demographic data as well as information from the Annual Owner and Annual Veterinarian Questionnaires. Predictive models can help veterinarians and researchers understand what factors are predictive of heartworm preventive use as well as inform proactive interventions, including educating owners on the importance and proper use of heartworm preventives to protect dogs.