Many parasitic diseases are prevalent, so parasite prevention is necessary for all pets. One of these conditions, heartworm disease, is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by a parasitic worm. Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, and other mammals, including people in rare cases, but the condition is more often diagnosed in canines. Family Pet Care sheds light on heartworm disease’s causes, signs, and prevention methods so you can better protect your furry pal from this condition’s negative health impact.

An overview of heartworm disease in pets

Heartworm disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, which infected mosquitoes transmit to pets by biting them. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog or cat, the larvae are deposited onto their skin and enter their bloodstream through the bite wound. Over time, the larvae develop into worms that live in an infected pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels, where they proliferate, eventually causing organ damage. Heartworm disease is a growing concern in all states because of the increasingly warmer climate, which provides the right environment for infected mosquitoes to thrive year-round.

Signs of heartworm disease in pets

Because heartworms take time to develop and multiply, your pet may not initially show infection signs. Heartworm disease signs vary depending on the infection’s severity and the disease’s stage. In the condition’s early stages, an infected pet exhibits no signs. However, as the disease progresses, common signs include:

  • Dry cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite
  • Allergic or asthmatic reactions
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Collapse
  • Sudden death

In late stage heartworm disease, these parasitic worms infiltrate a pet’s heart and cause heart failure. So, if your pet shows heartworm disease signs, seeking veterinary attention is imperative.

Pet heartworm disease prevention

Prevention is vital to protecting your pet from parasitic infections, including heartworm disease. We recommend the following effective prevention methods:

  • Heartworm preventive medications — Administering monthly heartworm preventive medications is the most effective way to protect your four-legged friend from heartworm disease. These medications are available in various forms, including chewable tablets, topical solutions, and injectables. Consult with our Family Pet Care veterinarian to determine the most suitable preventive medication for your pet based on their species, age, and health status. Along with protecting your pet from heartworm disease, we encourage you to use flea and tick preventives.
  • Year-round protection — Heartworm disease transmission never takes a vacation; preventives should be used year-round. Even during winter, mosquitoes can thrive indoors, and most winter temperatures have become warmer and more humid, so mosquitoes never entirely go dormant, which is true here in Texas. Therefore, providing year-round protection is important by consistently administering preventive medications each month or as directed.
  • Regular wellness exams — Maintaining your pet’s annual or biannual veterinary appointments is critical to monitoring their heartworm disease susceptibility. To screen for heartworm infection, your veterinarian may perform diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and heartworm antigen tests. If your pet is positive for heartworm disease, early detection allows for prompt treatment and improves their chances for a successful outcome by mitigating further impacts on your furry pal’s health. 
  • Mosquito control — Minimizing your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes helps reduce their heartworm disease risk. You can eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your home by removing standing water, such as pools, birdbaths, and fountains, and using pet-safe mosquito repellents. Cut down weeds and long grasses, and avoid taking your pet outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Word to the wise: citronella candles and oils can be toxic to pets, so never leave these products within their reach.

Heartworm disease poses a significant threat to pets’ health and well-being. By understanding heartworm disease’s causes, signs, and prevention methods, you can take proactive measures to protect your furry friend from this potentially deadly condition. To learn more about heartworm disease and preventives, schedule an appointment with our Family Pet Care team and take a bite out of your pet’s heartworm disease risk.