At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air in Bel Air MD, we take heartworms seriously—and so should every pet parent. Spread by mosquitoes and often silent in the early stages, heartworms can cause severe—and possibly fatal—heart and lung problems in both dogs and cats. The good news? It’s completely preventable. Let’s walk through the signs of heartworm in dogs and cats, your prevention options, and how we treat it if it strikes.
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected pets. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Many pets show no symptoms early on, which is why annual testing is critical. As the disease progresses, signs become more noticeable.
Fun Fact: Cats are not natural hosts for heartworms, but even a few worms can be life-threatening.
Prevention is easy, safe, and cost-effective. At our veterinary clinic in Bel Air MD, we recommend year-round protection:
Missed a dose? Call us immediately. A gap in prevention could leave your pet vulnerable.
Severe cases may require surgery, which can be quite costly and is not fun for Fido. Your dog may also need to be kenneled for long periods.
There’s no approved drug treatment for heartworm in cats. Instead, we:
Note: Prevention is especially important for cats because treatment is not an option.
No. Mosquitoes can survive indoors and in milder climates year-round. Year-round prevention is safest.
Yes. All it takes is one mosquito bite. Your pet can get infested even in their bed!
Yes. Even with regular prevention, annual testing ensures early detection in case of a missed dose.
Are you looking for a great veterinary clinic in Bel Air MD? You can try searching for a vet near me, or just call us at Animal Medical Center of Bel Air.
At Animal Medical Center of Bel Air in Bel Air MD, we’re dedicated to protecting your pets from preventable threats like heartworm disease. Schedule your annual test or refill your pet’s heartworm prevention today.
This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your pet and follow their advice.