Heartworm in Pets: The Silent Killer You Can Prevent

Heartworm disease is one of the most serious (and sadly, preventable) conditions that can affect dogs—and sometimes cats. Transmitted by mosquitoes, these parasites lodge in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing long-term damage and potentially death.

🦟 How Heartworm Spreads:

• Mosquito bites an infected animal and picks up larvae

• It then bites another animal, injecting those larvae

• Larvae grow into adult worms that live inside the heart and lungs

🚨 Symptoms in Dogs:

• Persistent cough

• Fatigue after exercise

• Weight loss

• Swollen belly (due to fluid build-up)

• In severe cases: heart failure

Cats may show vague symptoms or even sudden collapse.

💊 Prevention is Key:

• Use monthly heartworm preventatives (oral or topical) year-round

• Get your pet tested annually

• Keep pets indoors during mosquito-heavy times (early morning/evening)

Heartworm is treatable in dogs but costly and risky. In cats, there’s no cure—only prevention.

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