Heartworm disease is a serious health concern for pets, especially dogs and cats. At Pennsylvania Veterinary Care, your veterinarian in Lansing, MI, educating pet owners about this condition is essential for prevention and early treatment. Understanding how heartworm works can help protect your pet from this potentially life-threatening disease. Think of heartworm as an unwelcome passenger that can cause major disruptions if not stopped early.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. Over time, they grow and multiply, damaging the heart and lungs and leading to severe health problems.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
Heartworm spreads through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic larvae, which develop inside the mosquito. The mosquito then passes these larvae to another pet when it bites again. The larvae travel through the bloodstream and eventually mature into adult worms in the heart and lungs, potentially causing a lot of problems for your pet friend.
Symptoms to Watch for
Heartworm symptoms may not appear immediately and can vary depending on the infection’s severity. Common signs include:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue or weakness, especially after exercise
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen abdomen due to fluid buildup
Early infections might not show obvious symptoms, which is why regular testing is important.
Diagnosis and Treatment
We will perform blood tests to detect heartworm infection. If positive, treatment involves medications to kill the adult worms and larvae. This process requires careful monitoring and rest, as the death of worms can cause complications.
Treatment is often lengthy and can be costly, but it can be vital for saving your pet’s life. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove large worm burdens.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Preventing heartworm is safer and more affordable than treatment. At Pennsylvania Veterinary Care, we recommend year-round heartworm prevention medication. These medications kill larvae before they mature, breaking the cycle of infection.
Additional prevention tips include:
- Keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk)
- Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed
- Using veterinarian-approved insect repellents when necessary
The Importance of Regular Vet Visits
Annual heartworm testing is a critical part of your pet’s health routine, even if they are on prevention. Early detection allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of serious complications.
Visit Us to Get Pet Care Services for Heartworm Near You
Heartworm disease is preventable, but it requires consistent effort. By understanding the risks and following a regular prevention plan, you give your pet the best chance at a healthy, active life. At Pennsylvania Veterinary Care, we’re here to support you with the knowledge and care your pet needs to stay protected from this hidden threat.