You’ve probably heard some stories about heartworm disease, whether from someone you know whose pet had the disease or from information provided by our Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic team. Heartworm disease is, unfortunately, a common and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs, cats, and other mammals in all 50 U.S. states and throughout all seasons. Dirofilaria immitis, the parasitic worm that causes heartworm disease, is transmitted to pets through an infected mosquito bite. To prevent this illness from impacting your furry pal, you must understand the causes, signs, and defensive strategies.
Heartworm disease in pets: Overview
Heartworm disease is primarily caused when an infected mosquito bites a pet and deposits microscopic larvae (i.e., microfilariae) into the bloodstream. Over time, the larvae mature into spaghetti-like worms up to a foot long that inhabit the infected pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to severe cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Dogs are more likely to contract heartworm disease because they are typical hosts, meaning the heartworm larvae can complete their life-cycle in their bodies. Cats are atypical hosts, but they can still be infected with a few heartworms that can cause extensive damage.
Heartworm disease in pets: Signs
Heartworm disease physical signs vary depending on infection severity and the species affected. Common signs in dogs include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Breathing difficulty
In severe cases, dogs may show heart failure signs, such as a swollen abdomen and fainting.
Cats show some different signs that include:
- Vomiting
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
- Asthma-like attacks
- Fainting or collapse
Treatment for heartworm-infected pets is a lengthy, costly, and sometimes unsuccessful series of painful injections and many weeks of restricted exercise. Medications are designed to kill adult heartworms slowly, because a pulmonary thromboembolism or other health emergencies can result if the worms die too quickly. In severe cases, adult heartworms require surgical removal. Because treatment is complex and uncomfortable, your pet’s first and best defense is prevention.
Heartworm disease in pets: Prevention
Preventing heartworm disease is essential for your pet. Fortunately, several simple preventive measures can help reduce infection risk, including:
- Monthly heartworm preventives — Monthly heartworm preventives that our veterinarian can prescribe are available as chewable tablets, injections, or topical treatments, so you can choose according to your pet’s preference. These medications kill the immature larvae before they can develop into adult heartworms.
- Annual heartworm testing — Our Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic team recommends annual heartworm testing for all pets, including those on a prevention plan who may have missed a dose. Early detection allows for timely intervention and treatment, if necessary.
- Regular wellness examinations — Our veterinary team should examine your pet at least once a year to screen them for heartworm disease and other problems and to provide life-saving vaccines and parasite preventives. Your pet’s exam is a great opportunity to ask questions about their general health and well-being.
- Mosquito control — Minimizing your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes when you are outside can help reduce the risk of heartworm transmission. Eliminate standing water, where mosquitoes like to breed, cut down weeds and tall grasses, use pet-safe mosquito repellents, and keep pets indoors during dawn and dusk, which are peak mosquito activity periods.
- Travel precautions — Anytime you travel with your pet to another state or country, you put them at risk for parasitic diseases endemic to those regions. Ensure your pet is fully vaccinated and protected against parasitic and infectious diseases.
Heartworm disease poses a significant threat to your pet. Understanding the causes and signs and implementing strategies, including annual screening and testing and a prevention regimen, will safeguard your pet. Contact our Cobb & Co Veterinary Clinic to start your pet on a comprehensive, customized plan to protect them against this serious, life-threatening disease.
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