Heartworm

What is Heartworm?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by parasites that are transmitted through mosquito bites. Once infected, heartworm live in the heart and blood vessels of the lungs, where they can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs.

One of the greatest challenges with heartworm disease is that infected pets often appear completely healthy in the early stages. Clinic signs may be subtle or absent for months or even years while damage is occurring silently. By the time symptoms such as coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss, or difficulty breathing becomes noticeable, the disease may already be advanced and more difficult to treat.

Why is Heartworm testing important?

Annual heartworm testing is an important part of your dog’s preventative healthcare, even when they are receiving regular heartworm prevention. Heartworm disease can progress silently, and early detection allow treatment to begin sooner, helping reduce the risk of serious and potentially irreversible damage to the heart and lungs. Testing can be performed as early as 6 months of age, as it takes time after infection for heartworm to mature and become detectable.

Heartworm is preventable!

Because treatment can be difficult, expensive, and carries risks, prevention is always the safest and most effective approach. Starting heartworm prevention early is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your dog’s health. Puppies can be exposed to heartworm disease as soon as they are bitten by an infected mosquito. Heartworm preventatives are safe, effective, and work by eliminating immature heartworm stages before they can develop into adult worms. Beginning prevention at a young age and maintaining it consistently help ensure your dog is protected from the start and throughout their life.

If you have any questions about heartworm disease or would like to discuss the best prevention options for your pre, our team is always happy to help.