Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both cats and dogs. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted to pets through the bite of an infected mosquito. This means that even if your dog or cat doesn't socialise with other animals, they are still at risk of infection.

In dogs, heartworm can grow up to 12 inches long and reside in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. As the worms grow, they can cause blockages in the vessels, leading to heart failure and other serious health problems. Symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs can include coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and fatigue.

Cats can also be infected with heartworm, but the disease presents differently in felines than in canines. Cats are much less likely to have adult worms in their heart. Instead, they tend to have small numbers of immature worms that can cause severe lung disease and other health issues, such as asthma-like symptoms and sudden death.

Prevention of heartworm disease is crucial, as treatment can be difficult and costly. The most effective way to prevent heartworm infection is to give your pet a monthly preventative medication, such as an oral tablet or topical solution, or for our canine companions, the annual heartworm injection. These medications kill the immature forms of the worms before they can mature and cause serious health problems.

It is important to note that heartworm disease is not just a problem for pets living in warm and humid climates. Mosquitoes, the vector for transmission of heartworm, can be found nationwide. Therefore, it is recommended that all cats and dogs be given heartworm-preventative medication year-round, regardless of where they live.

In conclusion, heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both cats and dogs. It is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease is to give them a regular preventative medication. It is important to remember that heartworm disease can occur anywhere, not just in warm and humid climates. Therefore, all cats and dogs should be given heartworm-preventative medication year-round.