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Every pug that comes into our care receives a full medical evaluation—including heartworm testing and prevention. Sadly, many arrive already heartworm positive, requiring long, expensive treatment to save their lives. Others come to us unprotected, and we make sure they never have to face that risk again.

That’s why we created HEART for Pugs—a dedicated fund to cover the cost of testing, prevention, and treatment for every rescue pug.

 Every dollar helps us protect the hearts of the pugs who depend on us. 

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.