heartworm
noun
heart·worm ˈhärt-ˌwərm 
: a filarial worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that is a parasite especially in the right heart of dogs and is transmitted by mosquitoes
also : infestation or disease caused by the heartworm
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Anderson is providing each beagle a full physical exam, several vaccines, a heartworm test and spaying them. 
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 Dog Healthcare - Supplements & Dental: Don’t be hounded by health care expenses; order heartworm prevention & dewormer, ear care, eye care, calming/anxiety care products and so much more. Paris Wolfe, cleveland, 24 Aug. 2022 More: Climate change is increasing risk for heartworm, researchers say. Claire Rafford, The Indianapolis Star, 30 June 2022 Heartworms cause serious complications in the heart and lungs of dogs, and treatment for heartworm disease is risky. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 Dogs and cats of all ages are welcome to come receive a wellness check as well as rabies vaccinations, core vaccinations, basic deworming and heartworm testing. Hartford Courant, 5 May 2022 Fortunately, many heartworm prevention products also protect dogs from common intestinal parasites. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 The current longest resident of AHS, sweet Worldwide has been receiving plenty of tender care in a Foster Hero home while undergoing treatment for heartworm. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2022 In veterinary medicine, it is used to prevent and treat heartworm. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022 See More
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2022 Dog Healthcare - Supplements & Dental: Don’t be hounded by health care expenses; order heartworm prevention & dewormer, ear care, eye care, calming/anxiety care products and so much more. Paris Wolfe, cleveland, 24 Aug. 2022 More: Climate change is increasing risk for heartworm, researchers say. Claire Rafford, The Indianapolis Star, 30 June 2022 Heartworms cause serious complications in the heart and lungs of dogs, and treatment for heartworm disease is risky. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 Dogs and cats of all ages are welcome to come receive a wellness check as well as rabies vaccinations, core vaccinations, basic deworming and heartworm testing. Hartford Courant, 5 May 2022 Fortunately, many heartworm prevention products also protect dogs from common intestinal parasites. People Staff, PEOPLE.com, 5 May 2022 The current longest resident of AHS, sweet Worldwide has been receiving plenty of tender care in a Foster Hero home while undergoing treatment for heartworm. The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2022 In veterinary medicine, it is used to prevent and treat heartworm. Joshua Cohen, Forbes, 1 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1877, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
heartworm
noun
heart·worm -ˌwərm
1
: a filarial worm of the genus Dirofilaria (D. immitis) that is especially common in warm regions, lives as an adult in the right heart especially of dogs, and discharges active larvae into the circulating blood whence they may be picked up by mosquitoes and transmitted to other hosts and that may infect humans causing local pulmonary infarction but does not achieve sexual maturity in the human organism
2
: infestation with or disease especially of dogs caused by the heartworm, resulting typically in gasping, coughing, and nervous disorder, and when severe commonly leading to death