Heartworm Awareness Month: Protecting the Heart of Your Pet
Every year, Heartworm Awareness Month shines a spotlight on a serious—but preventable—disease that affects pets across the country. Whether you’re a new pet owner or a seasoned one, understanding heartworms can make a life-saving difference.
❤️ What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals. They are spread through mosquito bites, making them a risk almost everywhere, even indoors.
Once inside your companion, the larvae grow into long worms (sometimes up to a foot long!) and begin damaging vital organs. Over time, this can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and even death if left untreated.
🦟 How Do Animals Get Heartworms?
It all starts with a single mosquito bite:
- A mosquito bites an infected animal and picks up microscopic larvae.
- That mosquito then bites your pet.
- The larvae enter your pet’s bloodstream and begin to grow.
🐶🐱 Which Animals Are at Risk?
- Dogs are the most commonly affected and are natural hosts for heartworms.
- Cats can also get heartworms, though the disease often looks different and can be harder to detect.
- Even animals that stay indoors are not completely safe.
⚠️ Signs to Watch For
Heartworm disease is often called a “silent threat” because symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced.
In dogs:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue after mild activity
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
In cats:
- Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
- Vomiting
- Sudden collapse
💊 Prevention Is the Best Protection
The good news? Heartworm disease is highly preventable.
- Monthly preventatives (oral, topical, or injectable)
- Annual testing recommended by veterinarians
- Consistent, year-round protection, even in cooler months
Prevention is far safer, easier, and more affordable than treatment. Make sure to get your dog tested and on heartworm prevention at our BRAND new 10,000 sq foot Veterinary Clinic located at 3100 W Fuqua St, Houston, TX 77045.
To learn more about the Houston Humane Society Veterinary Clinic or to schedule a veterinary appointment, CLICK HERE to visit the clinic page of our website, or call or text 713-433-6421.
