Why Routine Wellness Lab Work Matters for Your Pet
March 18, 2026
Heartworm disease is a serious—and potentially life-threatening—condition that affects dogs, cats, and other mammals. Fortunately, with modern veterinary medicine and consistent prevention, heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable. As an AAHA-accredited veterinary practice, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer pet families to keep their pets healthy and protected.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the body, immature heartworms mature into long, spaghetti-like worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels.
Over time, these worms can cause severe damage to a pet’s heart and lungs, leading to chronic illness or even death if left untreated.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
Heartworms are spread only through mosquito bites. This means:
- Heartworm disease can occur in any geographic area
- Indoor pets are still at risk
- Prevention is important year-round, not just in warm months
It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworm larvae.
Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, meaning the parasites can mature and reproduce inside their bodies.
Common signs in dogs may include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue after mild activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
In advanced cases, dogs may develop heart failure or a life-threatening condition called caval syndrome.
Heartworm Disease in Cats
Heartworm disease looks very different in cats—and can be harder to diagnose.
Cats typically have:
- Fewer worms (sometimes only one or two)
- More severe inflammatory reactions
- Sudden or subtle symptoms
Signs in cats may include:
- Coughing or asthma-like symptoms
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Sudden collapse or death in severe cases
There is no approved treatment to eliminate adult heartworms in cats, which makes prevention especially critical.
Why Heartworm Prevention Is So Important
Heartworm prevention is:
- Safe
- Highly effective
- Much less expensive than treatment
Treating heartworm disease in dogs can be lengthy, costly, and involves strict activity restriction. In cats, treatment options are extremely limited.
Monthly preventives (oral or topical) or long-acting injectable options work by eliminating immature heartworms before they can cause damage.
Do Pets Need Heartworm Testing?
Yes. Dogs should be tested:
- Before starting prevention
- Annually, even if they’re on prevention year-round
Testing ensures that prevention is safe and effective. Cats may be tested based on risk factors and clinical signs.
Our AAHA Commitment to Your Pet’s Health
As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, we follow evidence-based guidelines and regularly update our protocols to meet the highest standards in veterinary care. This includes:
- Recommending year-round heartworm prevention
- Using gentle, low-stress handling techniques
- Tailoring prevention plans to your pet’s lifestyle and health needs
Protecting Your Pet Starts Today
Heartworm disease is far easier to prevent than to treat. If you’re unsure whether your pet is protected—or if you’ve missed doses—we’re here to help without judgment.
Our goal is to partner with you to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and safe for years to come.
Have questions about heartworm testing or prevention?
Contact our team to schedule an appointment or discuss the best prevention plan for your pet.
