Heartworm disease can seem like a distant concern until it’s too close to ignore. Transmitted through mosquito bites, this condition affects both dogs and cats, causing serious and sometimes fatal damage to the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. At Animal Kingdom Veterinary Center, your veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL, we want pet owners to be aware of how this disease works and how to protect their pets from it.

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What Is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic larvae. These larvae are then transmitted to a new host through another bite. Inside the new host, the larvae mature into adult worms and settle into the heart and pulmonary arteries.

In dogs, which are natural hosts, these worms can grow up to a foot long. In large numbers, they crowd the heart and lungs, leading to coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and in advanced cases, heart failure. Cats, while less common hosts, can still experience severe symptoms and will likely die from it if they are infested.

How to Identify Heartworm Symptoms

Early stages of heartworm disease often show no signs, which is part of what makes it so dangerous. In dogs, symptoms can include a persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and difficulty breathing. Cats may exhibit vomiting, weight loss, or sudden collapse. Because these signs overlap with other illnesses, testing can be very important for proper diagnosis.

The Importance of Prevention

Preventive medication is by far the most effective and affordable defense against heartworm. These medications, often given monthly, stop the larvae from developing into adult worms. Skipping even one dose can leave a pet vulnerable, especially during mosquito season. Year-round prevention is often recommended, since mosquitoes can survive in warmer climates year-round and occasionally emerge during unseasonably mild winters.

At Animal Kingdom Veterinary Center, we offer a range of different preventive options and help tailor them to your pet’s age, size, and health history.

Treatment Can Be Risky

Treating heartworm, especially in dogs, involves a carefully managed process using medication to kill adult worms. This can take several months and may require strict confinement to reduce complications. Unfortunately, there’s no approved drug treatment for heartworm in cats, which makes prevention even more critical for feline companions.

Treating heartworm is often more complex, costly, and stressful than preventing it. It’s better to take action early so you don’t have to deal with it.

Get Heartworm Treatment from a Veterinarian Near You

If your pet has never been tested or started on a preventive plan, now is the time. Our veterinary team at Animal Kingdom Veterinary Center, your veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL,  is ready to help you safeguard your dog or cat from this serious illness. By taking simple steps today, you protect their health for the future. Call us at (561) 990-7414 for heartworm treatment from a veterinarian near you.