Adult heartworms are large, spaghetti-like worms that can grow up to a foot long. They live in the heart and pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow and causing a cascade of health problems.
Heartworms are transmitted exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an animal with heartworms, it ingests microscopic heartworm larvae called microfilariae. These larvae then develop within the mosquito and can be transmitted to a new host when the mosquito bites again.
This means that any dog or cat inside or outside can have a chance at getting these parasites even if it’s a quick potty trip. (How many times have you seen a mosquito in your house?)
Once inside a new host, the microfilariae migrate through the bloodstream, eventually maturing into adult heartworms over a period of several months.
Heartworms cause a range of health issues, including:
- Damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, exercise intolerant, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, vomiting, fatigue, heart failure, and in some cases death.
It’s crucial to understand that heartworm infection can be prevented with regular preventative medication.
Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive than prevention.
There are several different options for your pet that best suit your needs and the needs of your pets. These include Interceptor Plus, Heartgard Plus, Simperica Trio, and Nexgard Plus/Combo. (1 month prevention). There are also options for injections that will prevent heartworms for either 6 months or 12 months.