The Silent Threat: Why Heartworm Prevention is Non-Negotiable

The "One Bite" Reality

Many pet owners assume heartworm is only a risk for hunting dogs or pets that spend all day outside. The truth is much scarier: heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes.

When an infected mosquito bites your pet, it deposits microscopic larvae into the bloodstream. Over the next 6 months, these larvae migrate to the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, maturing into foot-long worms. These worms act like a physical blockage, clogging the heart and damaging the lungs, leading to severe organ failure.

Dogs vs. Cats: Different Symptoms, Same Danger

Heartworm affects dogs and cats differently, which can make it tricky for owners to spot the signs until it is too late.

In Dogs (The Natural Host)

Dogs are the perfect host for heartworms, meaning the worms can mature and reproduce inside them. A dog can harbor hundreds of worms.

The Signs: A mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
The Outcome: Without treatment, it leads to heart failure.

In Cats (The Silent Sufferers)

Cats are atypical hosts. While they usually have fewer worms, the immune reaction to them is often more violent. This condition is known as Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

The Signs: Symptoms often mimic asthma (coughing, wheezing) or stomach bugs (vomiting).
The Risk: Sadly, the first and only sign in some cats is sudden collapse or death.

The "Indoor" Myth

"My pet stays inside, so they don't need prevention." This is the most dangerous misconception we encounter. Mosquitoes easily enter homes through open doors, loose screens, or vents. Because cats have zero natural immunity to heartworm, even a single indoor mosquito bite can be devastating.

Prevention vs. Cure: A Stark Contrast

The difference between preventing heartworm and treating it is night and day.

Treatment for Dogs: Treating an established infection is risky, expensive, and difficult. It involves a series of arsenic-based injections and months of strict cage rest to prevent the dying worms from causing a pulmonary embolism (blockage in the lungs).
Treatment for Cats: There is currently no approved drug treatment for heartworm in cats. We can only manage the symptoms and hope the cat survives the lifespan of the worm.

Why We Test Every Year

You might wonder, "If I give the pill every month, why do I need an annual blood test?"

No medication is 100% effective, and missed doses happen to the best of us. Furthermore, giving heartworm preventative to a dog that is already positive can cause a severe, shock-like reaction. The annual test ensures your pet is negative so we can safely continue protecting them.

Need a refill or a test? Contact us today to keep your pet protected.