Even with modern advancements in veterinary care, heartworm disease is still a risk for your pets. Whether you are a new pet owner, you have never heard of heartworms, or you already use preventive medications for your pet, here is what you should know about heartworms.

What are heartworms?

Heartworms are parasites that live up to their name. They are worms that make their way to your pet’s heart and lungs. These worms are not transmitted directly between pets. Instead, they are transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected animal is bitten by a mosquito, the blood they take contains larvae, which are then deposited into another animal when the mosquito bites it. It takes several weeks to months for the larvae to grow enough to be detected in testing, or cause noticeable symptoms.

How do I find out if my dog has heartworms?

With regular veterinary visits, a simple blood test can be used to detect heartworms. Regular testing is advised, as it raises the chances of catching this disease early enough for treatment to be successful. There are symptoms your dog will experience, such as a dry cough, being short of breath, and weakness. However, by the time these symptoms appear, the heartworms have begun to damage your pet’s heart and lungs, and treatment will require months of injections and a lot of rest for your pet. 

How can I prevent heartworms?

Preventing heartworm disease is inexpensive compared to treatment, and your prevention plan can vary depending on your lifestyle and your pet. The most well-known prevention option is chewable monthly pills. These do require remembering to give them every month for year-round protection, so if you travel or have a hectic schedule, these may not be the best method for your family. Another option is an injectable medicine. These may be given at 6 month or 12 month intervals at the veterinary clinic. These are a low-maintenance choice for many pet owners. 

Talk with your veterinarian at your next visit about heartworm testing and the heartworm prevention options available to your pet.