Heartworm Disease: A Guide for Pet Owners
- Izabel Rodriguez with the Humane Society of North Texas
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Heartworms. It is the diagnosis that every pet owner dreads hearing during a routine checkup. Hearts drop at the thought of what might happen to a beloved best friend. But what exactly are heartworms, and is the disease as serious as it sounds?
According to Humane Society of North Texas veterinarian Dr. Cynthia Jones, heartworm disease is the resulting damage caused by parasitic worms, which can lead to severe lung damage, heart failure, and various organ impairments.
Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected animal, it ingests baby worms (microfilariae). The larvae mature inside the mosquito, and when it bites another dog, those infective larvae are deposited into the new host.
Some common symptoms of heartworm disease include:
Persistent coughing
Fatigue and lethargy
Decreased appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Because these symptoms overlap with many other health conditions, it is crucial to take your pet to the vet for a proper diagnosis if you notice any of these signs.
High Risk in the Lone Star State
Texas has a notoriously high mosquito population—boasting over 80 species—and when combined with warm, humid weather, it creates the ideal environment for heartworms to spread.
Contrary to popular belief, indoor dogs are still at risk. Mosquitoes frequently slip indoors through open doors or screen tears, making year-round prevention and annual testing essential for every pet.
The good news? Heartworms are not contagious to humans, so there is no danger in handling or caring for a heartworm-positive pet.
Treatment vs. Prevention
If left untreated, heartworm disease can cause lifelong chronic damage. However, if caught early, it can be successfully treated.
Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment protocols vary and may include oral
medications, antibiotics, and deep-muscle injections. According to the American Heartworm Society, the complete treatment process typically takes between two to five months and can be quite costly.
Because young dogs and puppies are at higher risk for severe infections, the American Heartworm Society recommends starting heartworm prevention as early as 8 weeks of age. While treatment exists, prevention is always the best, safest, and most affordable course of action.
How HSNT Helps with Heartworm Disease
Proper recovery requires a calm, low-stress environment. High heart rates can cause severe complications while the worms are dying off, making shelter environments challenging for dogs undergoing treatment.
The Humane Society of North Texas strives to place heartworm-positive dogs into quiet, stress-free foster or adoptive homes so their treatment can be successful. To ensure every owner has the opportunity to get their pet healthy, HSNT provides heartworm treatment resources for dogs adopted through our facilities.
For more information on affordable prevention and clinic services, visit hsnt.org/clinic.
A heartworm diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but staying informed is the best way to protect your pet. By keeping up with year-round preventatives and annual veterinary checkups, you can ensure your dog lives a long, happy, and heartworm-free life!
Comments