What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know About Heartworm

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease that affects many pets every year. Heartworm is caused by foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of the pet and can cause lung disease, heart failure, and severe damage to other organs within the body. If left untreated, heartworms can grow and mature into adults and even produce offspring inside your pet. All it takes is a single bite from a mosquito to put your furry companion at risk of heartworm disease. 

Heartworm may go undetected in pets for up to 7 months. Therefore, it’s important that your pet get regular checkups with the vet. Symptoms of heartworm disease in pets typically include: 

• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Abnormal lung sounds
• Inactivity
• Fainting

The best treatment for heartworm disease is prevention. Most products are given monthly, either as a topical liquid applied to the skin or as an oral tablet. Talk to your local vet about heartworm and how you can prevent your pet from contracting the disease. 

Visit Northwood Animal Hospital in San Antonio

If your pup is suffering from heartworm or anything else, visit Northwood Animal Hospital in the San Antonio, Alamo Heights, and Live Oak areas. Our staff will take exceptional care of your pet! Request an appointment today.