What is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition affecting pets of all ages, especially dogs and cats. April is National Heartworm Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn about and take action against this disease. It is caused by parasites known as heartworms that can infest the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing severe inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and eventual heart failure.
Written by Dr. Gina Singleton, Caring Pathways Veterinarian
How Does Heartworm Disease Spread?
Heartworms require mosquitoes to transmit them from one animal to another, making prevention key in managing this disease. Pets will never outgrow the ability to contract heartworm disease; therefore, it’s important for dogs and cats of all ages–even our senior citizen pets–to be on year-round heartworm prevention.
Canine Heartworms and Preventing Disease – Veterinary Partner – VIN
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Early signs can be subtle, including fatigue and a soft cough. These signs can be similar to other symptoms we may see in our senior pets undergoing age-related changes. Without intervention, symptoms progress to weight loss, difficulty exercising, respiratory distress, abdominal fluid accumulation, and ultimately, death. If you notice these subtle signs, it’s a good idea to have your pet examined by a veterinarian who may recommend testing such as chest x-rays and blood work, to include a heartworm test.
Why Early Detection and Testing are Crucial
Routine heartworm testing is critical because dogs often don’t show noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Even pets on monthly preventatives should be regularly tested, since a missed dose could allow infection. Adding on a heartworm test to your senior pet’s annual or bi-annual blood panel is easy and could be life-saving.
Heartworm Disease Myths: Know the Facts
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Myth: Indoor dogs are safe from heartworms.
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Fact: Just one mosquito bite can infect your pet.
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Myth: Pets on monthly preventatives don’t need regular tests.
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Fact: Regular testing catches infections early, minimizing damage.
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Myth: Heartworms are contagious between dogs, cats, and humans.
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Fact: Direct pet-to-pet transmission is impossible; mosquitoes are the only vectors.
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Can Cats Get Heartworm Disease?
Yes, cats can contract heartworm disease. Unlike dogs, treatment in cats is limited, and symptoms can vary widely. Preventatives and regular veterinary check-ups, to include heartworm tests, are essential.
Effective Ways to Prevent Heartworm Disease
- Administer veterinarian-recommended monthly or annual preventatives.
- Minimize pets’ exposure to mosquitoes.
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and testing.
Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce your pet’s risk of heartworm disease and its devastating consequences. If your pet is facing serious health challenges or nearing end-of-life, Caring Pathways offers compassionate, in-home hospice support, Quality of Life consultations, TeleAdvice, and gentle euthanasia services to support you and your pet through difficult times.
About the Author: Dr. Gina Singleton
Dr. Gina started her veterinary career at 16 years of age, working in a small animal hospital in Virginia. She continued to work in many veterinary hospitals in several states doing just about every job she could- receptionist, kennel staff, grooming, veterinary assistant, licensed veterinary technician, hospital manager and eventually a veterinarian. Her undergraduate work includes an Associate’s degree in Animal Science and Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology. She attended Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and graduated in 2008. Gina has worked as a Veterinarian in both Colorado and Maine and was also co-owner of Forever Home, an in home hospice and euthanasia practice in Fort Collins. Gina joined Caring Pathways in September 2020, having just moved back from Maine in August and she is more than excited to have done so. Having been in general practice for so many years, she found that her favorite part of her job was working with senior pets and their human companions. Although the end-of-life decision can be very difficult, she finds that this ultimate act of love that a human can give to their beloved pet is an honor to be a part of.
