Heartworm Prevention

When mosquitoes bite, they can pass on heartworm infections, which can be devastating for both dogs and cats. These parasites can cause significant and potentially fatal damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not exhibit any symptoms, while others may display a wide range of signs of infection.

In dogs, heartworm disease symptoms can include coughing, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, and a swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup from heart failure. Canine heartworm infection can also result in a critical condition known as “caval syndrome,” a type of liver failure that, if not treated surgically without delay, can lead to death.

While it is commonly believed that cats are not at risk for heartworm infection, they can indeed be affected. Cats may experience a condition called heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD), with symptoms that may be subtle and resemble asthma or allergic bronchitis. Common signs of respiratory distress include rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, and panting, along with coughing, vomiting (not linked to eating), and reduced appetite or weight. Diagnosing heartworm infection in cats is more challenging than in dogs.

The cost of treating heartworm infections is significantly higher than that of prevention, and treatments can even be fatal for dogs. There is no approved treatment for cats; some may eliminate the infection on their own, while others may not survive. Even just one or two adult heartworms can pose serious health risks for cats.

The good news is that you can keep your pet safe by providing monthly heartworm preventives. Most heartworm medications also offer protection against other parasites like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. We can suggest a suitable prevention plan tailored for your pet.