Heartworm disease is dangerous and can kill dogs and cats. Dr. Chip Cooney at the Animal Hospital of Statesville explains that heartworm prevention is not just advice—it is a must for your pet’s health.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease comes from parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels of sick animals. The worms can grow to 8–12 inches long. They harm the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. If untreated, the disease can kill.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
Mosquitoes spread the disease. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it takes in tiny baby worms called microfilariae. Later, the mosquito bites another pet, passing the microfilariae to the new host. Over six months, the parasites grow and move to the heart and lungs. This journey brings heartworm disease.
Why Is Prevention So Important?
- High Prevalence: North Carolina ranks seventh in heartworm cases. Some clinics see over one case each week.
- Hard to Avoid Mosquitoes: Pet repellents work poorly. Mosquitoes enter homes, putting indoor pets at risk.
- Serious Health Risks: Heartworms can cause heart failure, kidney and liver disease, and death.
- Costly and Risky Treatment: Treating heartworm disease can cost $600–$800 or more. Treatment lasts long and holds risks.
Prevention Methods Available Today
You can stop heartworm disease with modern medicine:
- Monthly Oral Meds or Topical Treatments: These fight heartworms, intestinal parasites, and sometimes fleas and ticks.
- Yearly Injection: This shot works for 12 months and makes care easier.
Cats also get heartworms, though not as often as dogs. In a small cat, heartworms hurt the heart badly. Using a topical treatment is very important.
Year-Round Prevention: Is It Necessary?
Some pet owners wonder about year-round prevention. Even in cold weather, mosquitoes work above 52°F. In places like North Carolina, the mild climate keeps mosquitoes around all year. Thus, pets need continuous protection.
What Should You Do?
- Visit Your Veterinarian: Test your pet before starting prevention. Preventive medicine for an infected pet can be dangerous.
- Begin Prevention After a Negative Test: Once the test is negative, start a plan that fits your pet’s needs.
- Annual Testing: Test for heartworms every year to keep your pet safe.
The Bottom Line
Heartworm prevention is needed for any pet that faces mosquito bites. With modern, easy medicines, prevention is simple. The high cost and danger of treatment, along with the risk of severe illness or death, make prevention a smart and kind choice.
Does your pet need heartworm prevention? The answer is an absolute yes. Protect your pet today and talk with your veterinarian to pick the best plan.
This guide uses ideas from Dr. Chip Cooney at the Animal Hospital of Statesville and follows current best practices in preventing heartworm disease.
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