Among the illnesses that affect our pets, few are better known than heartworm disease. And for good reason; it is potentially life threatening to our pets. But do you truly understand all aspects of the disease - and how to prevent it? Here are some things that you may not have known.

1. Cat’s need heartworm prevention! Cats are affected differently than dogs, but they still need to be protected. Prevention is especially important because heartworm-infected cats seldom harbor the adult heartworm that is the basis for diagnosing heartworm disease. Heartworm larvae will migrate to the lungs and cause severe respiratory disease, like coughing and labored breathing.
2. All pets require heartworm prevention regardless of whether they reside indoors or outdoors. While indoor pets are less likely to be bitten by heartworm-infected mosquitoes, it can still happen. Indoor pets like to reside next to open windows and may accompany their owners out on the deck or patio. Also, most of us have found mosquitoes inside our homes. Year-round protection is important regardless of your pet’s indoor or outdoor habits.
3. Heartworm prevention should be used all year round. While mosquitoes may not be out and about during the winter months it is not as easy to predict when they will be because of the urbanization of our environment. It is also important to remember that heartworm prevention also provides protection against other parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
4. Dogs and cats receiving heartworm prevention should still have regular heartworm tests. Although the heartworm preventive medications are highly effective, pets do rarely acquire heartworm infections while receiving them. Most infections are due to owners forgetting to give the medication, administering improperly or pets not swallowing the tablets. Some pets are especially good at hiding their pills and spitting them out later. Annual tests are recommended and are available at Ada Animal Hospital with a regular blood test.

Call us today to get your pet started on heartworm prevention and have an annual blood panel and heartworm test done. 208-362-5329.