Tyson's Heart - Heartworm Prevention Program
Established 2023
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Heartworm is a huge issue in the city of Detroit and has reached an epidemic level, with nearly 1 in 5 dogs entering the shelter system in Detroit testing positive for Heartworm disease.

Tysons Heart provides free heartworm disease testing and free heartworm prevention medication for eligible owned dogs in Detroit in our outreach programs. 

Dog Aide began this initiative by focusing on the dogs in our program at highest risk for contracting heartworm disease: outdoor dogs, and dogs in areas known to have a high prevalence of heartworm positive dogs. We provided free access to heartworm disease testing, and free monthly prevention medication for all dogs that tested negative. Nearly 35% of our adult outdoor dogs tested positive for heartworm disease in 2024. 

Now, in phase two of our program, we test all new clients’ dogs (both indoor and outdoor) for heartworm disease at the time of their spay/neuter surgeries. All dogs receive 12 months of heartworm prevention medication. We work closely with families, providing educational materials and compassionate guidance about the importance of year-round prevention.