Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and can cause serious, lasting damage to the heart and lungs. It's far easier, and safer, to prevent than to treat.
We recommend year-round heartworm prevention for dogs and cats, along with a yearly heartworm test for dogs. Our team can help you choose the preventive that fits your pet and your routine.
How Heartworm Disease Spreads
Heartworms are spread from animal to animal by mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, coyote or fox, it picks up tiny larvae. Those larvae develop inside the mosquito and are passed on to the next pet it bites. Over several months, they grow into adult worms that live in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs.
Mosquitoes can find their way indoors, so even pets who spend most of their time inside are at risk. Preventives work by killing the immature larvae that entered the body during the previous weeks, before they can grow into adults. That's why consistent, on-time doses all year matter so much. A late or missed dose can leave a gap in protection.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Cats are not a natural host for heartworms, but they can still be infected. Even one or two worms, or larvae that never fully mature, can trigger serious inflammation in the lungs. This condition is sometimes called heartworm associated respiratory disease.
Signs in cats can be vague, such as coughing, trouble breathing, vomiting or weight loss, and some cats show no signs at all before a sudden emergency. Heartworm infection is also harder to detect in cats, and there is no approved treatment to clear it. For these reasons, prevention is the best protection for your cat, including indoor cats. Our team can help you choose a cat-safe preventive.
Questions about Heartworm Prevention?
Call us or book an appointment online, and our team will help you decide on the next step for your pet.
Heartworm Prevention: Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog need a heartworm test if they are on prevention?
Do indoor cats need heartworm prevention?
What happens if I miss a heartworm preventive dose?
When should puppies and kittens start heartworm prevention?
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