Let’s Talk About Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention For Dogs & Cats

How Mosquitoes Transmit Heartworm to Dogs and Cats

Warning: Like any sort of talk about parasites, this is gross. However, it’s probably important to understand the life cycle:

• A mosquito bites a dog or cat carrying heartworm, and the mosquito picks up microfilariae

• The microfilariae mature into larvae inside the mosquito

• When the mosquito then bites another animal, the larvae enter the pet at the site of the bite

• The larvae mature into adult heartworms over a few months 

• If the infected pet is bitten by a mosquito, the cycle starts over

The full lifecycle of a heartworm is 5-7 years. It’s also important to know that a dog can carry anywhere from 1 to hundreds of heartworms at one time! Cats will carry a smaller number of them, but cats often spend more time outside and are more exposed to the threats.

What are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

If you suspect your pet has heartworm, get them to a vet as quickly as possible. Some of the symptoms you may see in both your cats and dogs include:

• Coughing

• Wheezing

• Vomiting

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

These may start as mild, but can become more severe in a hurry. For dogs, heartworm can lead to heart, lung, liver, and kidney complications, which can ultimately result in death if left untreated. Though cats are less ideal hosts for the parasites, feline complications often include: 

• A cough

• Respiratory attacks

• Sudden fainting or seizures

• Even sudden death

There are treatments available to eliminate heartworms in dogs, but sadly, there is unfortunately no equivalent treatment in cats.

If you notice symptoms in your pet, contact your vet immediately. However, the best defense against heartworm is a solid prevention plan!

Heartworm Disease Prevention For Dogs and Cats

As we said in the opening, heartworm is preventable!

For dogs, this may include:

• Monthly oral tablets/chewables

• Topical liquids

• A 6 or 12-month injectable preventive can be administered by a veterinarian

And for cats, this may include monthly topical products.

Ask your veterinarian about the best heartworm prevention treatments for your pets.

Prevention That Works for Both Dogs and Cats: A Mosquito-Free Yard

Greatly reducing the mosquito population in your yard is always going to be one of the best sweeping prevention strategies you can have. And of course, it will also protect your kids.

Mosquito Hero’s effective mosquito control programs are proven to reduce mosquito populations in your yard. And reduced mosquito populations = reduced risk of transmission of mosquito-borne illnesses!

“I love this company. Great customer service and results. Using a Mosquito Hero program means I can enjoy being outside all summer and it also protects my dog. The price is very competitive and the technicians are fast and professional. Absolutely recommend.” - 5 Star Google Review.

Start protecting your pets right now by finding the local Mosquito Hero in your area!