What is Heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is a dangerous, mosquito-born condition that can be contracted by pets, usually cats or dogs. When a mosquito bites a dog or cat, it introduces worm larvae into the animal's bloodstream. These worms then mature in the arteries of the heart, and can make it hard for your pets to breath and exercise.
Signs and Symptoms
Unless heavily infected, your pet will most likely not show any symptoms for the first few months until the worms mature and grow. Symptoms include:
- A persistent cough
- Reluctance to move or exercise
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Gagging
Treatments
Heartworm is completely preventable if you take the right precautions for your pets. Methods that have proven extremely effective at preventing heartworm disease in pets include:
- Monthly tablets and chewables
- Monthly topicals
- A six-month injectable (dogs only)