Heartworms are parasitic worms transmitted to dogs and cats via mosquito bite. As these parasites reproduce within an animal’s body, they can cause irreparable—and often fatal—damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Fortunately, Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic says there are many ways humans can protect their pets from this danger. Committed to protecting our four-legged friends, this spay and neuter facility highlights a few important facts pet owners should know about heartworm.

What Pet Owners Should Know About Heartworm Disease

Are Heartworms a Danger in Connecticut?

Due to their warm, humid conditions, the southeastern region of the United States is known to the have the highest risk of mosquito-borne health risks—including heartworm. But while the parasites’ activity may be heaviest in the South, the American Heartworm Society has found evidence of their danger in every part of the continental United States—including Connecticut.  

How Should Pets Be Protected Against Heartworms?

The best way to prevent heartworm disease is to provide your pet with medication that eliminates the parasite in its larval stage. For best results, this medication must be applied topically or provided orally once a month to both cats and dogs. Your vet may also offer injectable medication that only needs to be provided every six months.

Should My Pet Be Tested for Heartworms?

Although preventive medications offer very good protection, there is always a small chance that animals can develop heartworm disease. To address this risk, have your cat or dog’s blood tested for infection at least once a year. The earlier the problem is caught, the better the chances of recovery and survival are. Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic provides a heartworm test for dogs who are 6 months and older; we provide Revolution for cats, which prevents heartworm for them

Along with spay and neuter surgery, heartworm testing should be performed soon after you adopt a cat or dog to assess prior infection risk as long as they are 6 months or older. Testing may also be necessary if your pet exhibits symptoms of infection—including unexplained weight loss, diminished appetite, persistent coughing, fatigue, vomiting, and seizures.

Can Heartworm Disease Be Treated?

If heartworm disease is caught early in dogs, it may be successfully treated through a series of involved treatments. First, the vet will provide several medications to stabilize the canine’s health. Next, home treatment needs to be continued for 60 days with another medication to kill remaining parasites.

The best way to deal with heartworms is prevention: While treatment is necessary when the parasites are caught early, it can cause medical complications in your pet. 

If you’ve recently adopted a cat or dog, the Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help start your pet’s health off on the right foot. Specifically, we offer inexpensive spay and neuter as well as pet vaccinations at the time of surgery. To learn more about these and our other services , visit us at www.nutmegclinic.org or call (203) 690-1550.