Heartworm is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for pets, especially dogs, but it can affect cats as well. At Animal Kingdom Veterinary Center, your veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL, we believe knowing the facts can help protect your pet’s health.
What Heartworm Is and How It Spreads
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The infection starts when a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a pet. These larvae travel through the bloodstream, eventually settling in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. Over time, they grow into adult worms that can cause severe health problems.
Signs Your Pet May Have Heartworm
In the early stages, heartworm may not cause noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, you might see signs such as coughing, fatigue after mild exercise, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. In cats, symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, and sudden collapse. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced.
Why Prevention Is So Important
Prevention is far easier—and safer—than treatment. Monthly preventive medications work by killing heartworm larvae before they can mature. Since mosquitoes can be active in many regions year-round, it’s important to give preventives consistently and not just during the warmer months.
Treatment Options for Heartworm
For dogs, treatment involves a series of injections to kill adult worms, along with rest and careful monitoring. The process can be stressful for both pet and owner, and there is always some risk involved. For cats, there is no approved treatment to eliminate adult heartworms, making prevention the only reliable protection.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
Schedule yearly heartworm testing to ensure your pet stays clear of infection. Maintain a regular preventive routine, and reduce mosquito exposure by keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity. Even with these steps, testing is essential because prevention is not foolproof.
Get Heartworm Treatment from a Veterinarian Near You
At Animal Kingdom Veterinary Center, your veterinarian in Boca Raton, FL, our goal is to help you safeguard your pet from this silent but dangerous disease. By staying informed and consistent with prevention, you can give your pet the best chance at a healthy, heartworm-free life. Call us at (561) 990-7414 for heartworm treatment from a veterinarian near you.