Heartworm disease is a serious—and potentially deadly—condition that affects dogs and cats across the country. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most preventable. With the right education, consistent care, and guidance from a veterinary team you can trust, protecting your pet becomes a simple part of your monthly routine. At Valley Animal Hospital, we’re here to break down the essentials of heartworm prevention and help you take proactive steps to keep your pet safe and healthy year-round.
Understand How Heartworm Is Transmitted
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites, making all pets vulnerable—regardless of whether they spend most of their time indoors or outside. Once bitten, an infected mosquito deposits microscopic larvae into your pet’s bloodstream, which can grow into adult heartworms and cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
Key facts about transmission:
- Mosquitoes are the only way pets contract heartworm
- Heartworm disease affects both dogs and cats
- Just one bite from an infected mosquito can lead to an infestation
- Pets in warm climates are at higher risk due to extended mosquito seasons
Because there’s no way to fully avoid mosquitoes, prevention is the best line of defense.
Spot the Symptoms Before It’s Too Late
One of the most dangerous aspects of heartworm disease is how quietly it develops. Early signs can be subtle—or even nonexistent. That’s why routine testing and preventive care are crucial.
Common signs of heartworm in dogs:
- Mild but persistent cough
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Swollen abdomen from fluid accumulation
In cats, symptoms may include:
- Coughing or asthma-like episodes
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Sudden collapse or death in severe cases
If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately for testing and guidance.
Stick to a Reliable Prevention Routine
Prevention is much safer, easier, and more affordable than treating advanced heartworm disease. Fortunately, heartworm prevention is available in several convenient forms and can be given year-round.
Prevention options include:
- Monthly oral chewables
- Monthly topical treatments
- Injectable prevention (administered every 6 or 12 months by your vet)
Staying consistent with your pet’s preventive care plan is the best way to avoid heartworm and other dangerous parasites, like fleas and intestinal worms.
Trust the Experts to Keep Your Pet Protected
Skipping even one dose of prevention can leave your pet vulnerable to infection. That’s why working with a veterinary team that knows your pet’s health history is so important. At Valley Animal Hospital, we make heartworm prevention simple, affordable, and tailored to your pet’s lifestyle.
Schedule a wellness appointment today to get your pet tested and started on a reliable heartworm prevention plan. With year-round support from our trusted team, you can rest easy knowing your pet is protected from the risks you can’t always see.
