Heartworms are a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs and cats. These parasitic worms can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to serious health complications. The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable with the right precautions. In this article, we’ll explain how heartworms affect your pet, the signs of heartworm disease, and the best ways to protect your pet from this dangerous condition.
What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are long, thread-like worms that are transmitted to pets through mosquito bites. Once inside your pet’s body, these worms migrate to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, where they can grow to lengths of up to 12 inches. As they grow and multiply, heartworms cause inflammation, damage to organs, and impaired blood circulation, leading to serious health issues.
How Heartworms Affect Dogs and Cats
Dogs:
Dogs are the natural host for heartworms. If a dog becomes infected with heartworms, the worms can live for 5–7 years inside the heart and lungs, causing chronic lung disease, heart failure, and potentially death. Symptoms in dogs can range from mild coughing and fatigue to more severe signs, including difficulty breathing, weight loss, and sudden collapse.
Cats:
Cats can also be affected by heartworms, but the condition is less common and less predictable than in dogs. Cats can be infected with heartworms by the same mosquito bite, but the worms don’t grow as large or survive as long in cats. Still, even a few worms can cause severe inflammation in the lungs and airways. Symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can include coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and sudden collapse, similar to asthma attacks.
Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
For both dogs and cats, early detection of heartworm disease can help prevent severe damage. Here are some signs that your pet may have heartworms:
Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Decreased exercise tolerance
- Weight loss
- Swollen abdomen (due to fluid accumulation)
- Fainting or collapse
Signs of Heartworm Disease in Cats:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sudden collapse (in severe cases)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
How to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Pets
The best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease is prevention. There are several ways to prevent heartworm infections in both dogs and cats.
1. Monthly Heartworm Preventatives
The most effective way to prevent heartworm disease in your pet is by using monthly heartworm preventatives. These preventatives are available in oral or topical forms and are easy to administer. When given monthly, they kill any heartworm larvae that your pet may have been exposed to before they can develop into adult worms.
At Kainer Veterinary Hospital, we recommend starting heartworm prevention as early as possible. Puppies and kittens should begin preventive treatment as young as 8 weeks of age, and it’s important to continue this treatment throughout your pet’s life.
2. Annual Heartworm Testing
Even if your pet is on a heartworm prevention regimen, it’s essential to have them tested for heartworms annually. Heartworm tests are typically part of your pet’s annual wellness exam. Testing allows your vet to detect any possible infections before they become severe. If you’re not already scheduling annual checkups for your pet, now is the perfect time to book an appointment for a heartworm test.
Learn more about pet wellness exams and the importance of regular testing here.
3. Limit Exposure to Mosquitoes
Although heartworm preventatives are highly effective, limiting your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes can also help reduce the risk of infection. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, especially in the warmer months, make sure to provide shelter and avoid walking during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk). You can also consider using mosquito-repellent products for pets, though it’s always best to consult your veterinarian before applying anything to your pet’s skin.
4. Keep Your Pet Indoors During Peak Mosquito Season
If possible, try to keep your pet indoors, especially during mosquito season, which is typically in the warmer months. This is when mosquitoes are most active and likely to transmit heartworm larvae. If your pet must go outside, keep them in an area that is protected from mosquitoes or limit outdoor time as much as possible.
Heartworm Treatment for Dogs
If your dog does contract heartworm disease, treatment is possible but can be expensive and risky. Treatment typically involves administering a medication that kills the heartworms, followed by several months of restricted activity. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the adult worms. The best way to ensure your pet doesn’t require this type of treatment is by following a regular heartworm prevention plan.
At Kainer Veterinary Hospital, we are here to guide you in protecting your pet from heartworms. If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, we provide comprehensive treatment options and monitor your pet’s progress closely to ensure the best possible outcome.
What If My Cat Gets Heartworms?
While heartworm disease is less common in cats, it is still a serious condition. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats. The focus for feline heartworm disease is primarily on prevention, as early detection and management are key. Consult your veterinarian for specific advice on how to protect your cat from heartworms.
Final Thoughts
Heartworm disease is a serious condition that can be fatal, but the good news is that it’s preventable with the right precautions. Monthly heartworm preventatives, annual testing, and limiting exposure to mosquitoes are all essential steps in keeping your pet safe from this disease. Regular vet visits ensure that your pet is receiving the best care and that any potential issues are caught early.
If you’re unsure about your pet’s heartworm prevention plan or need to schedule an appointment for testing, contact us or call (936) 321‑2000 today. Our team is here to help you keep your pet happy and healthy!
