“Heartworm is a mosquito-borne disease that can severely affect the heart, lungs and major blood vessels.”
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Many people are aware of heartworm prevention medication for dogs and cats, but not everyone understands heartworm disease.
Heartworm is a serious and often fatal condition that can spread easily – which is why heartworm prevention is crucial.
Our home vet care includes comprehensive heartworm prevention… to best maintain the ongoing health of your much-loved dogs and cats.
Heartworm explained
Unlike the other intestinal worms that we treat, heartworm is spread by mosquitoes rather than between pets.
When an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat, they pass infective heartworm larvae into your dog or cat’s bloodstream. The larvae grow into adult heartworms, which then reproduce, making ‘microfilariae’ (or baby heartworms). Mosquitoes ingest the microfilariae when they bite the dog or cat to feed, and the cycle starts again.
Adult heartworms live in your pet’s heart and the main artery that connects the heart to the lungs. They can reproduce in massive numbers, severely affecting the heart, arteries and lungs.
Clinical heartworm signs
Clinical signs in dogs are initially often restricted to a cough, but usually also include exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, and sudden or gradual collapse. Untreated heartworm infection in dogs is usually fatal.
Treatment may not resolve the disease, and some dogs die during treatment, either from the heartworm disease itself or from secondary complications. Treatment is also costly and usually prolonged.
As both the disease and the treatment of the disease can be fatal, our mobile vet strongly recommends using a heartworm preventative.
Effective heartworm prevention
Heartworm was once much more prevalent. It is rarer now thanks to very effective preventative products – and the uptake of heartworm treatments. Most pet owners are very aware of the importance of treating their pets with a preventative medication.
In the northern tropical parts of Australia, mosquito density increases, and so does the risk of heartworm disease. Whilst heartworm disease is rarer outside tropical environments, we strongly recommend an ongoing course of heartworm prevention – to ensure we don’t see a rise in cases… and above all, to protect your pet.
There are several forms of preventative products available for dogs. Monthly administration of a pipette on the back of the neck is usually combined with other preventive medications, such as flea and intestinal worming control. Or our mobile vet can also provide an annual injection during your pet’s annual health check.
Our mobile vet would be happy to discuss heartworm and other vaccinations with you at our next home visit. Or feel free to contact us to learn more about heartworm prevention in your pets.
“Because both the disease and its treatment carry risks, prevention remains the safest approach.”
Key Takeaways
- Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, not direct contact
Pets become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. - The disease affects the heart and lungs
Adult worms live in major blood vessels and can multiply in large numbers. - Signs often appear late and can be severe
By the time symptoms develop, damage may already be significant. - Prevention is safer than treatment
Treatment can be complex and carries its own risks.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs and cats get heartworm disease?
Heartworm is spread through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito feeds, it transfers larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae develop into adult worms over time.
What happens if heartworm is left untreated in dogs?
Early signs may include a cough or reduced exercise tolerance. As the disease progresses, breathing difficulties and collapse can occur. In many cases, untreated infection becomes fatal.
Why is heartworm prevention recommended instead of treatment?
Treatment can be prolonged, costly and carries risks. Some animals do not respond fully, and complications can occur during treatment. Preventative care avoids these challenges.
What are the early signs of heartworm infection in pets?
Initial signs are often subtle, such as a mild cough. Over time, pets may show reduced stamina or difficulty breathing. These signs can progress if the disease is not managed.
How often should heartworm prevention be given?
Prevention is commonly given monthly as a topical or oral product. There is also an annual injection option available. The appropriate method depends on the individual pet.
Is heartworm still a risk in non-tropical areas?
While it is more common in tropical regions, it can still occur elsewhere. Mosquito exposure is the key factor, not just location. Ongoing prevention helps reduce the risk year-round.