04/28/2026
🦟 Heartworm Disease: What Every Pet Owner Should Know 🐾
Heartworm disease is a serious, preventable condition that affects both dogs and cats—and it only takes one mosquito bite to put your pet at risk.
🔬 What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. They are spread when an infected mosquito bites your pet and transmits microscopic larvae into the bloodstream.
🐶 In Dogs:
Heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long and multiply, causing damage to the heart and lungs over time. Symptoms may include:
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue after mild activity
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• In severe cases, heart failure
Treatment for dogs is possible, but it is costly, lengthy, and can be hard on your pet.
🐱 In Cats:
Cats are not natural hosts, but even a few worms can cause significant damage. Heartworm disease in cats often affects the lungs and can be mistaken for asthma. Signs may include:
• Coughing or wheezing
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden collapse or even sudden death
Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworms in cats, which makes prevention critical.
🛡️ Prevention is simple and effective:
• Monthly heartworm preventatives (oral or topical)
• Year-round protection is recommended
• Annual testing for dogs to ensure early detection
🏠 Indoor pets are NOT immune!
Mosquitoes can easily get inside your home, putting even indoor-only pets at risk.
💙 Protect your pets before it’s too late.
Heartworm prevention is safe, affordable, and far easier than dealing with the disease itself.
📞 Call us today to discuss the best prevention plan for your dog or cat, or to schedule a heartworm test.