Though areas with smaller mosquito populations may seem safe from this disease, cases of heartworm in pets have been found in all 50 states, including Alaska. Giving your pets heartworm prevention medication, like Revolution, Heartgard Plus Chewables, or Iverhart Max for dogs, is the best way to make sure your pets avoid contracting it no matter where you reside. You can also administer Interceptor Plus for dogs which prevent both heartworms and intestinal worms.
What Happens When You Don’t Treat Heartworm?
Heartworm is a roundworm parasite that is transmitted to dogs through mosquitos. Preventative medicine, like Iverhart, Advantage Multi, or Tri-Heart Plus, is the best way to keep your pet protected from heartworm, but if your dog contracts this disease, consultation with your vet is essential.
Most dogs with heartworm can undergo some form of treatment, but they should be evaluated for heart, liver, and kidney function first to assess certain risks. Some dogs with heartworm can fight the disease off without treatment, but the risk of death or serious damage to your pet’s health is high.
Risks Associated With Untreated Heartworm Include:
- Breathing issues: Heartworms take residence in pulmonary arteries, and at advanced stages, in the lungs. These parasites wreak havoc as they migrate through the organs, causing inflammatory changes and damaging tissue. Coughing is a symptom of heartworm that has affected the lungs, and your pet may have shortness of breath and cough both during exercise and while sedentary.
- Inactivity: Dogs who were once healthy and active will show less endurance with a continued infection of heartworm. A sign of heartworm is listlessness and pets who appear tired, and these symptoms will endure if the disease goes untreated. Minor activity can cause shortness of breath and coughing, and as the disease worsens, most dogs will avoid exercise.
- Lack of oxygen: As heartworms begin to grow, they will crowd the dog’s heart chambers. This slows down blood flow and decreases the oxygen supply to the dog’s body. Dogs may experience loss of consciousness due to poor blood flow to the brain, and lack of oxygen will contribute to inactivity.
- Organ damage: The heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver are at risk of major damage from untreated heartworm disease. Heartworms can live up to seven years in vital organs and indirectly affect other organs like the kidneys from related stress. Their presence can cause permanent and irreversible damage to these organs, other tissues, arteries, and blood vessels.
- Death: Heartworm can cause sudden death, and some dogs die from heartworm without showing symptoms. The disease typically progresses over several years and can eventually lead to death due to heart failure, blood clots, bleeding in the lungs, and caval syndrome.
If your pet shows signs of canine heartworm disease, be sure to consult your veterinarian to choose the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do indoor cats get heartworms?
Indoor cats can get heartworms from mosquitoes that enter the home or from living in an environment shared with other infected animals, such as dogs. While it is less common for indoor cats to get heartworms than outdoor cats, it is still possible for them to become infected. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a cat, the larvae are deposited onto the cat's skin and can then enter the cat's bloodstream through the bite wound. Once inside the cat's body, the larvae migrate to the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms that can cause serious health problems. Indoor cats may be less likely to be exposed to infected mosquitoes, but they can still be at risk if there are mosquitoes in their environment. Additionally, if an indoor cat lives with an infected dog or spends time around other animals that are infected, it can still contract the disease.
What are the first signs of heartworms in cats?
The signs of heartworm disease in cats can be subtle and may not appear until the disease has advanced. Cats with heartworm disease may develop a persistent cough that is caused by inflammation in the lungs. They may experience vomiting and a decrease in appetite due to inflammation in the digestive tract. Cats with advanced heartworm disease may experience difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or open-mouth breathing. Some may lose weight despite having a good appetite or become lethargic and less active than usual.
How do you prevent heartworms in dogs and cats?
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition in both dogs and cats. Prevention is the key to protecting your pet from this disease. There are several FDA-approved heartworm prevention medications available for dogs and cats, including monthly pills, topical medications, and injections. These medications are effective in preventing heartworm infection when given as directed by a veterinarian. Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help detect heartworm infection early before it becomes more serious. It is recommended that dogs and cats receive annual heartworm tests as part of their routine wellness care. Mosquitoes are the primary carriers of heartworms, so reducing your pet's exposure to mosquitoes can help lower their risk of infection. This can be done by keeping your pet indoors during peak mosquito activity, using screens on windows and doors, and eliminating standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.
Do all mosquitoes carry heartworm cats?
Not all species of mosquitoes are capable of transmitting heartworm disease to cats or dogs. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis transmitted by infected mosquitoes. However, not all mosquitoes are infected with this parasite, and not all infected mosquitoes can transmit the disease. The risk of heartworm disease transmission varies depending on geographic location, time of year, and other factors. In general, areas with warm and humid climates have a higher incidence of heartworm disease. It is also more common for dogs to contract heartworm disease than cats, although cats can still be infected.
Can heartworm be cured?
Yes, heartworm disease can be treated and cured in dogs and cats, but the treatment can be expensive, lengthy, and can carry risks. Treatment involves killing the adult worms in the heart and lungs, as well as any larvae in the bloodstream. Treatment typically involves a series of injections of an arsenic-based medication that can cause side effects such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Treatment of heartworm disease can be more challenging in cats than in dogs. Unlike in dogs, there are no FDA-approved medications for treating adult heartworm infections in cats. Additionally, the signs of heartworm disease in cats can be nonspecific, and it can be difficult to detect the presence of adult worms. Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to heartworm disease. By following a preventative regimen recommended by your veterinarian, you can help protect your pet from the serious and potentially fatal consequences of heartworm disease.
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