Is the threat of heartworm in dogs real?

In the latest trend of people opting out giving vaccinations to their pets (and children!) and the recent increase of online discount pet medication stores, I wonder if the threat of heartworm is real? Or is it more of a way for vets to increase lost revenue? I live in Oregon and don’t give my pets heartworm meds. They both tested negative at their recent checkup. Each time I go to my vet I get solicited for heartworm meds at least 3 times. When I say no, I get “the look”. Not only does this make me want to say no even more, I am thinking of changing vets. Does anyone know the real statistics on heartworm and how prevalant the disease is in the USA?

I am against over-vaccinating our pets, but not against vaccinations done properly or heartworm preventative. Eastern Oregon has very few chance of heartworm infection, but I still would have my dogs on a heartworm preventative or test every six months without fail. Here’s a link with the facts about heartworm and a map that shows the areas where heartworm has been reported. Just remember, that using the preventative is going to be cheaper than having your dog tested twice a year and treated if the dog ever becomes infected.

http://www.heartwormsociety.org/article.asp?id=17#where

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