Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition that’s entirely preventable. Perkins Road Pet Clinic helps pet owners in Stillwater, OK protect their dogs and cats through testing and year-round prevention.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets. It’s transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, meaning any dog or cat that spends time outdoors is at risk. Left untreated, heartworm disease can cause severe lung damage, heart failure, and death.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
- Mild, persistent cough
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- A swollen abdomen from fluid buildup in advanced cases
Many pets show no symptoms in the early stages, which is why routine testing is so important, even for pets on prevention.
How We Test for Heartworm Disease
We perform heartworm testing in our in-house laboratory, with results typically available the same day. Annual testing is a standard part of our Adult Program and helps confirm that prevention is working as intended.
Treatment for Dogs Diagnosed With Heartworms
Treatment for heartworm-positive dogs involves a series of injections along with strict activity restriction, and is closely monitored by our internal medicine team. Cats cannot be treated for adult heartworms directly, which makes prevention especially critical for feline patients.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
Monthly heartworm prevention, started early and given consistently, is highly effective at preventing infection. Learn more about how we approach parasite protection on our parasite prevention page.
Not sure if your pet is due for a heartworm test? Call (405) 624-3086 to schedule one today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is heartworm disease transmitted?
Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, meaning any pet that spends time outdoors is at risk.
Can indoor pets get heartworm disease?
Yes, mosquitoes can get indoors, so even primarily indoor pets should be on year-round prevention.
What are the early signs of heartworm disease?
Many pets show no symptoms early on, which is why annual testing is important even if your pet seems healthy.
Can heartworm disease be treated in cats?
No, there is no approved treatment for adult heartworms in cats, making prevention especially important for feline patients.
How is heartworm-positive treatment performed in dogs?
Treatment involves a series of injections and strict activity restriction, closely monitored by our veterinary team.
How often should my pet be tested for heartworms?
We recommend annual heartworm testing, even for pets consistently on monthly prevention.
Is heartworm prevention effective?
Yes, when given consistently and on schedule, monthly heartworm prevention is highly effective at preventing infection.