HEART for Pugs

Heartworm Education and Responsible Treatment

HEART for Pugs is our program to spread the word about heartworm prevention - because every squishy face deserves a healthy heart.

What are heartworms?

Parasites spread by mosquitoes
They live in the dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels
Can cause coughing, fatigue, organ damage, and even death

Why it's serious for pugs:

Florida & Georgia = mosquito paradise (but has been reported in all 50 states)
Pugs = already prone to breathing issues
Add Heartworms = a dangerous & deadly combo

Prevention is the real treat:

Affordable monthly meds (less than $10 a dose) or 6-12 month injections
Annual testing by a veterinarian
Indoor dogs still need prevention - mosquitos don't knock!

HEART Tips for Pug Parents:

Give preventatives on time, every time
Never skip a dose—even just one can leave your pug vulnerable
Schedule yearly heartworm tests with your vet

A healthy heart makes for a happy pug; keep yours protected!

Looking for more detailed information about heartworm disease and prevention in dogs? The American Heartworm Society provides research and education for vets and pet owners.

American Heartworm Society

We are committed to preventing & treating heartworm disease.

Why Prevention Matters:

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasitic worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that lives in the heart, lungs, and blood vessles of infected animals. It's spread through the bite of a single, infected mosquito - one bite can deposit larvae that migrate and mature inside the dog's body over several months.

Left untreated, heartworm disease causes severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs. Treatment is not only painful and risky, but also costly and requires months of strict rest to avoid life-threatening complications.

Our Rescue Protocol:

When a pug enters our rescue, they receive a full medical intake exam—including a heartworm test. Sadly, more than 50% of the pugs we help haven't received any vet care in the year before they come to us. That means no preventatives, no testing, and high risk for infection. To protect them, every pug in our care receives 6 months of heartworm prevention medication. While they're with us, we administer it monthly—and we send the remainder home with their new families upon adoption.

Adopters are also reminded when heartworm prevention medications are due each month, when to purchase more, and when to schedule annual heartworm testing.

Heartworm disease is preventable—but still far too common:

In 2024, 6 pugs tested heartworm positive upon intake
In 2025 so far, 3 more have already tested positive

Treatment requires a long road of medication, vet visits, and strict crate rest.

Prevention? Just one chew a month or annual injection.

It’s simple: Prevention saves lives.

But not every pug comes to us protected. Your donation helps us provide lifesaving heartworm prevention to every foster—and critical treatment for those who arrive already infected.

Give the gift of a healthy heart—donate today to protect a pug in need.

Make a Donation

2025 Heartworm Warriors

Maddie

This 3ish-year-old pug girl has faced many hurdles in her young life, including the loss of an eye, painful infections, and heartworm disease. Read more of her story HERE

Loco

Maddie

Loco joined our rescue at the age of 15 after his person passed away. At his intake exam he was diagnosed with heartworm disease, severe dental disease and more. Although we worked hard to address his many medical needs, Loco unfortunately passed away less than a month after joining us as his body was too weak and tired to continue.

Maxine

Maddie

Maxine

Maxine is a sweet 10 yr old girl who was surrendered after her family abandoned her with a neighbor. She is facing a number of medical issues including heartworm disease.