Heartworm Prevention & Treatment: Protecting Your Pets This Summer

As temperatures rise and summer activities ramp up, so does mosquito season. While mosquitoes are certainly a nuisance for people, they pose a much more serious threat to our pets. These insects can transmit heartworm disease, a potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs and cats.

The good news? Heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable. Understanding the risks, prevention options, and treatment process can help keep your pets healthy and protected all summer long.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a pet, the larvae enter the bloodstream and eventually mature into adult worms that live in the pet’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels.

Over time, heartworms can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to serious illness and even death.

While dogs are the most common hosts for heartworms, cats can also become infected. Because heartworm disease presents differently in cats, diagnosis and treatment can be even more challenging.

Why Summer Increases the Risk of Heartworms

Mosquito activity increases during the warmer months, making summer one of the highest-risk seasons for heartworm transmission. However, it is important to remember that mosquitoes can survive indoors and during mild weather, meaning pets can be exposed year-round.

Many pet owners assume indoor pets are safe from heartworms, but mosquitoes only need a small opening, such as a door, window, or garage, to make their way inside. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can be at risk.

Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats

Heartworm disease often develops slowly, and pets may not show symptoms right away.

In dogs, common symptoms may include:

• Persistent cough

• Fatigue after exercise

• Decreased appetite

• Weight loss

• Difficulty breathing

• Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup
  

In cats, symptoms can include:

• Coughing or asthma-like attacks

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Weight loss

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden collapse in severe cases
  

Because these symptoms can resemble other health conditions, regular veterinary testing is important for early detection.

Heartworm Prevention for Dogs and Cats: The Best Defense

The easiest and most affordable way to protect your pet from heartworm disease is through preventive medication.

Heartworm preventives are available in several forms, including:

• Monthly chewable tablets

• Monthly topical treatments

• Long-lasting injectable medications administered by a veterinarian
  

Most heartworm preventives also protect against additional parasites, such as intestinal worms, fleas, or ticks, depending on the product.

Your veterinarian can recommend the best option based on your pet's age, health, and lifestyle. 

Heartworm prevention only works when it is given consistently. To help stay on track, consider setting a monthly reminder on your phone or calendar so you don't forget your pet's dose. A simple reminder can go a long way in protecting your pet's health. At MEHS, heartworm, flea, and tick prevention products are available for adopters and public surgery patients. Available options include:

• Barrier (heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites) starting at $20 for a one-month dose

• Simparica Trio (heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites) starting at $25 for a one-month dose

• Revolution for cats (heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites) starting at $15 for a one-month dose
  

Purchasing 3-, 6-, or 12-month packages can help reduce the cost per dose while making it easier to stay on track with your pet's prevention routine.

Pricing is subject to change. Contact MEHS for current pricing and product availability.

Why Annual Heartworm Testing Matters

Even pets receiving regular preventive medication should be tested annually for heartworms. Testing helps ensure prevention is working effectively and can identify infections before they cause significant damage.

Heartworm testing is typically performed during a routine veterinary visit through a simple blood test. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and help protect your pet's long-term health.

For pet owners utilizing MEHS public surgery services, heartworm testing can be added during your pet's surgery appointment. This simple test can help identify infections early and provide peace of mind that your prevention plan is working effectively.

What Happens if a Dog Tests Positive for Heartworm?

Hearing that your dog has heartworms can be scary, but treatment is available.

Heartworm treatment typically involves:

1. Confirming the diagnosis through additional testing.

2. Restricting exercise to reduce stress on the heart and lungs.

3. Administering medications to eliminate the worms.

4. Providing ongoing monitoring by a veterinarian throughout treatment.
   

Treatment can take several months and may be costly, which is why prevention remains the safest and most affordable option.

Unfortunately, there is currently no approved treatment to eliminate adult heartworms in cats. Veterinary care for infected cats focuses on managing symptoms and monitoring their condition.

Protect Your Pets This Summer

Heartworm disease is serious, but it is also highly preventable. A simple monthly preventive and annual testing can protect your pet from a disease that is costly, difficult to treat, and potentially fatal.

This summer, take a few minutes to review your pet's preventive care routine. Whether you're heading out on adventures, spending time in the backyard, or simply enjoying the warmer weather together, protecting your pet from heartworms will help ensure many healthy summers to come.

At Metro East Humane Society, we provide heartworm prevention medication for animals in our care and treatment for pets who test positive, helping them get healthy and ready for loving homes. We also offer affordable prevention options for adopters and public surgery patients so more pets in our community can stay protected year-round.

These medical expenses can add up quickly, especially during the busy summer months when mosquito activity increases. Donations from our community help make this lifesaving care possible. If you'd like to support pets receiving heartworm prevention, treatment, and other essential veterinary care, consider making a donation to MEHS.

Looking for more pet care resources and seasonal tips? Visit the MEHS blog for additional articles designed to help you keep your pets healthy, happy, and safe all year long.