Heartworm: What You Need to Know About Prevention

Key Takeaways on Heartworm Prevention

• Heartworm disease is more common than pet owners realize, and understanding how it spreads is the first step in prevention
• Mosquito exposure can happen almost anywhere, making heartworm a risk for every pet
• Consistent prevention plays a major role in long-term pet health
• Dogs and cats are affected differently, but prevention is equally important for both

While virtually every pet owner has heard about the risk of heartworms, many of them don’t know much about the disease itself and why prevention is so important. At Pet Palace, we aim to change that. Learn what heartworms are, how they’re transmitted, and why vets so strongly emphasize prevention.

What Are Heartworms?

Heartworms are a type of roundworm. These foot-long worms mature into adults, mate, and produce offspring all while residing inside your pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The worms resemble cooked spaghetti.

How Are Heartworms Transmitted?

Mosquitos transmit heartworms. Transmission occurs when a mosquito bites an infected animal, picking up baby worms in the blood. These baby worms mature into “infective stage” larvae during the next 10-14 days.

When the mosquito bites another animal, it deposits this infective larvae onto the surface of the animal’s skin. This larvae then enters the animal’s bloodstream through the bite wound. Within six months, the larvae matures into adult heartworms.

How Do Heartworms Affect Dogs?

At first, dogs don’t display any symptoms. However, as the worms grow in number, most dogs start to develop a cough. Eventually, they become more winded and are unable to exercise the way they did in the past. Heartworm disease is very serious and if left untreated, dogs with heartworms will die.

Unfortunately, heartworm disease can be expensive to treat. Prior to treatment, dogs will need a pre-treatment workup that includes blood work and X-rays to assess the damage done by the heartworms. This workup can cost as much as $1,000, and the treatment itself costs around $300. For this reason, heartworm prevention is key.

How Do Heartworms Affect Cats?

Cats with heartworm are affected very differently than dogs. Because cats don’t make good host animals for the worms, cats with heartworm disease may only have 1-3 worms (rather than hundreds) that never reach the adult stage.

That being said, heartworm disease can still create serious problems for cats. Infected cats can develop Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD). Additionally, cats with heartworm disease may show signs like vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and weight loss.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for cats with heartworms, making prevention that much more important.

How Can Heartworms Be Prevented?

Heartworm infection is almost 100% preventable with proper care. To minimize your pet’s risk, the American Heartworm Society recommends having your pet tested once a year for heartworm and giving your pet a heartworm preventative every single month. Write it down on your calendar to make sure you follow through at regular intervals. Heartworm preventatives require a prescription, so bring your dog or cat to the vet first.

Having educated yourself on this disease, we hope you’ll make heartworm prevention a priority. We know how important it is to you to enjoy a long life with your pets!

5 Benefits of Early and Consistent Heartworm Prevention

1. Prevents Invasive Treatments

While we know that heartworm treatment can be expensive, it’s also extremely invasive and physically demanding for pets. Treatment often involves strict activity restrictions, many vet visits, and medications that can be tough on pets’ bodies. Staying consistent with prevention helps your pet avoid this difficult and painful process.

2. Provides Year-Round Peace of Mind

Heartworm disease is unfortunately prevalent, and mosquitoes can appear at unexpected times of the year and even indoors. Staying consistent with year-round prevention gives you confidence in knowing that your dog or cat is protected no matter the season or where you live.

3. Reduces Spread in the Pet Community

When more pets are protected, fewer mosquitoes can pick up and spread heartworm larvae from one animal to another. This helps lower overall disease rates in your community and supports a healthier environment for all pets.

4. Protects Against Other Parasites

Many heartworm preventatives also help protect against additional parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, fleas, and more. This added layer of protection can make monthly dosing even more beneficial for your pet’s well-being.

5. Offers Peace of Mind to Pet Owners

Consistent prevention lets owners know their pets are well protected against a serious and silent threat. It supports responsible pet care and improves overall quality of life for animals.

FAQs About Heartworm Prevention

Are there additional steps I can take to prevent heartworm disease beyond medication?

 Yes! Along with the monthly prevention steps we outlined, you can take a few extra measures to further protect your pet from heartworm disease:

Does traveling with my pet increase their risk of heartworm disease?

Yes, unfortunately, traveling with your pet can increase their risk of heartworm disease, especially if you visit areas with higher mosquito activity. While mosquito exposure can vary by region and season, keeping your pet on year-round heartworm preventative medicine helps protect them wherever your travel takes you.

What are some heartworm statistics I should know?

• About 51% of pet owners skip heartworm prevention for part of the year (Banfield Pet Hospital)
• In 2022, heartworm incidents were the highest in the southern U.S., with many clinics reporting 26 or more cases a year (American Heartworm Society)
• Research suggests that up to 85% of dogs not on heartworm prevention medication are at extreme risk of developing the disease (Liberty County Georgia)
• Heartworm cases have increased significantly over the last two decades, with estimates climbing from 800,000 in 2001 to over 1.2 million today (AVMA)
• Research found that just 39.5% of pets are given heartworm prevention medications (NIH)

Get in Touch with Pet Palace Today

And speaking of your pets, do you have any vacations planned this summer? If so, you’ll be happy to know we provide boarding services for dogs and cats. Simply make a reservation or contact your local Pet Palace. We‘re proud to have 10+ locations across Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Categories: Cats, Dogs, Pet Safety