Prevention of Heartworms

Heartworm is a serious, life-threatening disease that affects both dogs and cats. It is carried by a mosquito-borne parasite called diofilaria immitis. When a mosquito bites a dog or cat, it can infect the animal. Unfortunately, no commercial vaccine is available for heartworm disease.

  1. Prevention

    • Heartworm can be prevented. The FDA has approved several medications that will protect dogs and cats from being infected with the disease. The most commonly-prescribed preventative medication is an oral pill or tablet. A topical liquid is also available that can be squeezed onto a pet's back. Veterinarians can also inject dogs with a preventative medication that will protect the animal for six months.

    Considerations

    • It is much easier and more cost-effective to prevent heartworm rather than treat an animal that is already infected. Heartworm treatment requires multiple visits to the veterinarian as well as extensive blood work and x-rays. Animals undergoing heartworm treatment must be restricted from activity, as this could cause a blood clot in the lungs.

    Misconceptions

    • People cannot get heartworm from having contact with animals. A dog or cat cannot directly give heartworms to another dog or cat. Heartworm is only spread through mosquitoes that are carrying the diofilaria immitis parasite.