The Heart of the Matter: Understanding the Importance of Pet Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm disease is a serious illness that can damage the lungs and hearts of affected animals. Left untreated, heartworm disease can become fatal, because the spaghetti-shaped worms will grow and multiply, and eventually block blood flow to the animal’s heart.
The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable. Read on for more information from our experts at All Critters Veterinary Hospital about heartworm disease and the importance of year-round prevention.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
Mosquitoes carry heartworms in a microscopic form called microfilaria. When these infected mosquitoes bite a dog or cat, the tiny microfilaria enter the bitten animal’s bloodstream. In about 6 to 7 months, the heartworm larvae grow into adult heartworms and are able to reproduce.
Dogs are the most common heartworm hosts, but they are also found in cats. Heartworms can survive for 5 to 7 years inside a dog, and dogs can go for years without showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Once symptoms arise, they can progress rapidly, so contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs of heartworm infection:
- Persistent cough
- Unusual fatigue after mild to moderate exercise
- Decreased appetite
- No desire to exercise
- Loss of weight
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Cats
Cats are not natural heartworm hosts, but they are still at risk of infection. And because cats have small bodies and tiny blood vessels, it takes just a few worms to cause catastrophic results. Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats include:
- Respiratory distress such as wheezing
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- No appetite
Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
The best way to protect your furry family member from the dangers of heartworms is with year-round, FDA-approved parasite prevention (even for indoor cats). Puppies and kittens should begin taking heartworm medications by the time they’re 8 weeks old.
Heartworm preventives for dogs come in the form of topical liquids, chewable and non-chewable tablets, and injections. Topical and oral medications are available for cats. Talk with your veterinarian to find out which option is best for your pet.
Many of these heartworm medications also provide important protection against intestinal parasites (like roundworms and hookworms), in addition to fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
Pets should be tested for the presence of heartworms (a simple blood test is all that’s needed) before beginning heartworm medications, since these preventives do not kill adult heartworms.
Treatment for heartworm disease is tricky, so it is essential to prevent heartworms in the first place. Pets diagnosed with heartworms will need injections for 3 to 4 months plus oral heartworm medication to ensure the heartworm infection is completely wiped out.
Heartworm Prevention Begins with Routine Wellness Visits
Heartworm infections can be devastating, but they are preventable with ongoing prescription heartworm medications. Please contact us at (614) 305-2085 to learn more about heartworms or to schedule your pet’s wellness visit.