Heartworm disease is transmitted via a mosquito
bite. If a mosquito bites your dog or cat and they
are not on preventative there is a very good chance
that they will get this disease. The incidence of
heartworm disease is rising in both dogs and cats. It
is important to have the veterinarian test your dog
about once a year, usually in the Spring, for this
disease. Dogs that are on monthly year round
preventatives can be tested anytime during
the year such as when they come in for annual exam
and vaccinations.
Signs of heartworm disease in dogs include cough,
exercise intolerance, ill health, weight loss, fainting,
abdominal fluid or death. Signs of heartworm disease
in cats include vomiting, cough and sudden death.
Heartworm disease can often be treated in dogs but
it is quite expensive and there may be permanent
damage even after treatment. There are no good
treatment options for cats and they are often put on
medications for long periods until the worms die on
their own. Prevention for both dogs and cats is
highly recommended.
There are many heartworm preventative medication
available through your veterinarian. In Michigan,
most pets are on preventative May 1st thru
December 1st, although more and more clients are
changing to year round monthly preventatives to
take advantage of the intestinal parasite control.
Medication options include Sentinel,
Interceptor, Revolution and
Heartgard. You should
discuss the best option for your pets situation with
your veterinarian. My dog, Popcorn, is on monthly
year round Sentinel and our cats,
Pumpkin and Snicklefritz get year round monthly
Revolution.
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