A type of tubular parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, heartworm is a life-threatening disease affecting cats and dogs. Canines are more susceptible to the foot-long worms than felines, as their bodies are natural hosts for the parasites. While you should talk to your veterinarian about what to look out for, as well as preventive methods, the guide below gives a brief overview.

What Pet Parents Should Know About Heartworm

What are some signs of the disease?

Symptoms can take time to manifest in dogs and cats. In canines, these can include a persistent cough, decreased appetite and weight loss, and fatigue. As the disease develops, dogs can get swollen abdomens from fluid accumulation, as well as blood flow blockages that cause sudden breathing difficulties, dark and often bloody urine, and pale gums. Known as caval syndrome, it is fatal without surgery.

Can an infected pet spread heartworms to other animals & people?

No. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes only and cannot be contracted from an infected animal. And while people can get bit by an infected mosquito, the parasites do not survive in the human bloodstream.

How is it diagnosed & treated?

Our veterinarians recommend blood tests every spring to determine if your dogs have heartworms. Positive heartworm tests call for additional testing including x-rays and bloodwork before adulticide treatment and dogs must be kept very calm during the next year of treatment. Treatment for dogs typically involves drug injections to kill the heartworms and rounds of medications for at least 6 months. The treatment is much more expensive than prevention.  The cost of being treated for heartworms is roughly equivalent to 10 years of heartworm prevention medications.

What can I do to protect my pet?

The best way to make sure your pet is not infected with heartworms is to keep your pet on a heartworm preventative like Heartgard Plus starting at 12 weeks of age. Keeping your pet indoors and using window screens mosquitoes cannot penetrate are among some preventative measures, especially if you live in an area prone to the biting insects. Taking steps to limit mosquito infestations around your home may help, such as eliminating all standing water, planting mint, basil, and other herbs repulsive to the insects, and ensuring any ponds or fountains always feature running water.  Heartworm prevention medications are by far the best route.

Regular visits with the veterinarians at Parkview Animal Hospital  protect your pets from heartworm and other health issues. The locally-owned animal care center in Lincoln, NE, has served furry friends for over 30 years, providing comprehensive pet health exams, spaying and neutering, and flea medicine among other services. Call (402) 423-6939 with questions or visit the website to learn more about their offerings.