Heartworm Prevention
Preventing Heartworm for Dogs & Cats in Allegheny County
When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm infection. And those heartworms can wreak havoc on your dog or cat. These parasites can severely and sometimes fatally damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infection; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.
Signs of Heartworm in Dogs
In dogs, signs of heartworm disease are varied and can include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen abdomen
Signs of Heartworm in Cats
In cats, signs of respiratory distress are common and can include:
- Rapid breathing
- Difficult breathing
- Wheezing
- Panting
Heartworm Treatments
Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive than prevention—and it can actually kill your dog. There is no approved treatment for cats. Some cats spontaneously rid themselves of the infection; others might not survive it. And even one or two adult heartworms in a cat can cause serious problems.
Fortunately, an easy way to keep your dog or cat safe is by administering monthly heartworm preventives. Most heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. We can recommend the best regimen of prevention for your pet.