When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworms that can wreak havoc on your dog or cat. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infestation; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.

In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infestation can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition usually causes death.

Less commonly, cats can also get heartworms. Cats can suffer from a syndrome referred to as Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD); the symptoms can be subtle and may mimic those of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid or difficult breathing, wheezing, and panting are common. Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting (typically unrelated to eating) and loss of appetite or weight. Heartworm infestation is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs.

Treatment for heartworm infestation is far more expensive than prevention—and it can be fatal to your dog. There is no approved treatment for cats. Some cats spontaneously rid themselves of heartworms; others often do not survive. Even one or two adult heartworms in a cat can cause serious problems.

Fortunately, there’s a way to keep your dog or cat safe: by administering monthly heartworm preventatives. Most heartworm preventions also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas and ticks. Contact us, and we will find the best regimen of prevention for your pet.