Get Advice from a Vet

ASK A VET
Veterinarian, DVM, MBA
Get free advice on diet, health, fitness, and wellness questions within 3 business days via email.

Heartworms in Dogs and Cats

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Got questions? Ask Dr. Lindsay & our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category
Back

What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by a worm that is carried by mosquitoes. Pets become infected when the mosquito bites and sucks blood. Once pets become infected with heartworms, the worms travel pulmonary vessels and lungs. Mature heartworms can be several inches long. As an adult, the heartworm is able to breed with other heartworms and produce microfilaria. These tiny microfilaria are picked up by blood-sucking mosquitoes and carried to other pets where the process begins again.

Key facts about heartworm disease in dogs and cats

  • Heartworms are carried by mosquitoes.
  • Heartworms can be fatal.
  • Heartworms can be difficult to treat but are easy to prevent.
  • Studies show 50% of cats infected with heartworm larvae have significant disease of the small arteries supplying blood to the lungs.
Recommended heartworm prevention medications for dogs and cats

Which pets are most at risk for heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states and is most concentrated in the eastern United States, the southern United States, and near Midwestern river valleys, including areas along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.
Pets that live outdoors are at the most risk for heartworm disease although in a North Carolina study, 28 percent of the cats diagnosed with heartworm were inside-only cats. This is because while outside pets are more susceptible to mosquitoes, mosquitoes can also get inside your home and deliver the one bite necessary to spread the disease.

Tip

Don't assume pets living indoors-only are not exposed to heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. It's wise to use heartworm preventatives to protect all your pets.

We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$11.01
$11.59
$16.56 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.2 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$63.63
$66.98
$95.69 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
4.9 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
$48.99
$69.99 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
$26.99
$38.56 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
5 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$122.72
$129.18
$184.55 Reg Price
Shop now
We'll contact your Vet to verify.
3.7 out of 5 Customer Rating
Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol Star symbol
Prescription Item
Save 40% with first AutoShip. Use code NEW40
$70.58
$74.29
$106.12 Reg Price
Shop now