As a responsible pet owner, you ensure your dog’s or cat’s well-being by understanding and guarding against potential health threats. One particularly dangerous and prominent threat is heartworm disease—a life-threatening parasitic condition transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Here’s everything the Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team wants you to know about heartworm disease and prevention for pets.

The heart of the matter: What pet owners must know about heartworms

Heartworm disease pathology can be complicated. Fortunately, you only need to know a few key facts to keep your dog or cat safe from this deadly parasite:

  • Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the heart and lungs — Although pets are initially infected with microscopic heartworm larvae, these larvae migrate from the subcutaneous tissue to the heart and large lung blood vessels. Mature worms can reach up to 14 inches in length and cause severe cardiovascular complications.
  • Heartworm disease is present in all 50 states — Heartworm disease is particularly prevalent in areas with warm climates and high mosquito populations. According to the American Heartworm Society, more than a million U.S. pets have heartworm disease.
  • One mosquito bite is all it takes for a pet to be infected with heartworms — When a mosquito feeds on an infected pet or wildlife, the insect ingests larval heartworms. Once consumed, the heartworms progress to their next life stage and can then be transmitted to another unsuspecting pet.
  • Heartworm treatment for dogs is expensive, stressful, and dangerous — Heartworm disease treatment involves a series of painful injections to kill circulating worms, followed by a lengthy and strict rest period to prevent complications. Despite treatment, some dogs remain heartworm-positive.
  • Heartworm disease is deadly but preventable — Left untreated, heartworm disease in dogs and cats can be fatal. Fortunately, prevention is possible, convenient, and safe.

Protecting your pet against heartworm disease

Here in the Midwest, we know that total defense against merciless mosquitoes does not exist. Therefore, effective heartworm prevention requires a multistep approach, including:

  •  Heartworm preventives — Year-round heartworm prevention—available only through your veterinarian—is the most successful way to safeguard your dog or cat. Injectable and oral medications not only kill larvae but also protect your pet against certain intestinal parasites. 
  • Yearly heartworm testing for dogs — Annual heartworm testing screens your pet’s blood for heartworms. Testing is recommended for all dogs, including those on preventives to confirm their medication’s efficacy.
  • Routine veterinary wellness exams — Regular veterinary exams ensure your pet’s overall health and aid in early detection. This is especially important for cats who tend to conceal illnesses and diseases.
  • Environmental management — Minimizing your pet’s mosquito exposure by eliminating standing water from outdoor spaces, applying pet-safe mosquito repellents and lawn treatments, closing windows and doors, and keeping your pet inside during peak mosquito activity—dawn and dusk.

A different beast: Heartworm disease in cats

Although cats are not typical heartworm hosts, they can be infected and experience significant complications. Unlike dogs, who often experience cardiovascular signs, cats may suffer from vague respiratory or gastrointestinal (GI) issues, which are commonly misdiagnosed. Tragically for some cats, the only warning sign is sudden death. As no safe and effective heartworm disease treatment is available for cats, year-round prevention is absolutely essential.

When you know about heartworm transmission, disease signs, and prevention you understand the necessity for year-round prevention and care. Following these recommendations and working closely with our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital veterinarian is the best way to ensure your pet’s safety and health—no matter what’s buzzing outside.

Does your pet have a heartworm prevention plan? If not, let our Cedar Creek Pet Hospital team help. Schedule your pet’s routine veterinary exam and heartworm disease testing.