April marks National Heartworm Awareness Month—a time dedicated to educating pet owners about the dangers of heartworm disease and how to protect pets from this serious, and often fatal, condition. At PetNest Animal Hospital, we believe prevention is the best form of protection. Whether you’re a new pet owner or simply need a refresher, now is the perfect time to learn more about how to keep your furry family members safe and healthy year-round.
What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a potentially deadly condition caused by parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the pet’s body, the heartworm larvae mature and travel to the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. Over time, they grow into adult worms, sometimes reaching lengths of up to 12 inches.
While dogs are the natural hosts of heartworms, cats can also become infected, although their symptoms and risk factors are different. In dogs, the disease can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. In cats, heartworm disease is often harder to detect and can cause respiratory issues, vomiting, or even sudden death.
How Common is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states, but it is especially prevalent in warmer climates like Texas, where mosquitoes are active for much of the year. With year-round exposure to mosquitoes, pets in our region are at constant risk unless they are on a consistent prevention plan.
According to the American Heartworm Society, more than a million pets in the U.S. are infected with heartworms. The good news? Heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable with proper care and regular veterinary oversight.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Pets
Heartworm disease can progress silently for months or even years before symptoms become noticeable. By the time clinical signs appear, the disease is often in an advanced stage. For dogs, common symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue after mild activity
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen belly due to fluid accumulation
- Labored breathing
In cats, symptoms may mimic other common feline diseases and can include:
- Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sudden collapse or death
Because early detection is difficult, prevention and annual testing are crucial.
Heartworm Testing and Prevention
At PetNest Animal Hospital, we recommend annual heartworm testing for all dogs, even those on regular preventatives. Testing ensures that the prevention program is effective and helps us catch any infections early, when treatment is most effective.
Heartworm prevention comes in several forms, including monthly oral medications, topical treatments, and injectable preventatives that last up to 6 or 12 months. These medications not only protect against heartworms but often also guard against other common parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and fleas.
It’s important to remember that prevention must be given consistently. Missing just one dose can leave your pet unprotected and vulnerable to infection.
Treating Heartworm Disease
If your pet does become infected with heartworms, the treatment process can be long, costly, and taxing on their body. For dogs, the treatment typically involves a series of injections to kill the adult worms, along with strict exercise restriction to prevent complications.
Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats. Management is typically supportive, aimed at reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. This is one of the main reasons prevention is absolutely vital for both dogs and cats.
Why Prevention is Key
Preventing heartworm disease is far easier, safer, and more affordable than treating an active infection. A single mosquito bite is all it takes to infect your pet, which is why we strongly encourage year-round prevention.
When you bring your pet to PetNest Animal Hospital, we’ll help you select the right heartworm preventative based on your pet’s age, weight, health status, and lifestyle. We’ll also ensure they stay up to date on annual testing and provide reminders for monthly dosing.
Protect Your Pet Today
National Heartworm Awareness Month is a great reminder to double-check your pet’s heartworm prevention plan. Are they up to date on their medication? When was their last heartworm test? If you’re unsure, our team at PetNest Animal Hospital is here to help.
We’re committed to providing personalized, compassionate care for every pet we see. Let us partner with you in keeping your dog or cat safe from preventable illnesses like heartworm disease.
To schedule your pet’s heartworm test or to refill their preventative medication, give us a call today. Together, we can ensure a healthy, happy life for your four-legged family member.