Heartworm
There are two broad categories of worms that may affect our pet dogs and cats, heartworm and intestinal worms. Please see our intestinal worm page for more information.
How Do Dogs and Cats Get Heartworm?
Heartworm, or Dirofilaria immitis, is a parasite that is spread by mosquitoes, so you pet does not even need to be in contact with other pets to become infected!
First, infected dogs carry microscopic baby worms called microfilariae in their bloodstream. When a mosquito feeds on an infected dog, it picks up these immature parasites. Then, inside the mosquito, the parasites develop into an new infectious stage. When that mosquito bites another animal, it can pass the larvae to your dog or cat.
Once inside a pet, the worms grow in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. Over time, they can block blood flow and damage the heart. Early infections may show no obvious signs. As the disease progresses, pets can develop coughing, fatigue, and reluctance to exercise. Severe cases may lead to heart failure or even death. Heartworm is present across most parts of Australia, except Tasmania and some arid regions.
Treatment and Prevention
The good news is that prevention is highly effective. Regular preventative treatment should be part of every pet’s routine. Options include tablets, chews, spot-on treatments, and an annual injection for dogs administered by veterinarians. If your pet has missed prevention, a simple test is recommended before starting treatment. A follow-up test six months later confirms protection. Consistent prevention is the safest and most reliable way to protect your furry friend.
Indoor pets are still at risk because mosquitoes can easily enter homes. Most preventatives are taken monthly, while injections protect dogs for a full year. Modern treatments are very safe when used as directed.
Please contact us to discuss the best heartworm prevention for your pet.