We all know mosquitoes can be annoying, but did you know they can also pose a serious health risk to your pets?
Heartworm is one of the most important diseases to protect against, particularly here in Queensland where mosquitos are a fact of life. While it’s more commonly diagnosed in dogs, cats can be affected too.
The good news? With the right prevention, heartworm is almost entirely avoidable.
What exactly is heartworm?
Heartworm is a parasite that lives in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of infected animals.
As the worms grow, they can interfere with normal heart and lung function, causing serious health problems over time.
How do pets catch heartworm?
Heartworm isn’t spread directly from pet to pet.
Instead, mosquitoes act as tiny transmitters, carrying microscopic heartworm larvae from one animal to another. When an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat, those larvae can enter the bloodstream and begin developing into adult worms.
That’s why even pets who spend most of their time indoors can still be at risk.
What are the signs?
One of the tricky things about heartworm is that many pets don’t show obvious symptoms in the early stages.
In dogs, signs may include:
- A persistent cough
- Tiring more easily on walks
- Reluctance to exercise
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
In cats, signs can include:
- Coughing or wheezing
- Breathing difficulties
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Sudden collapse in severe cases
Unfortunately, by the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be causing damage. In severe cases, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure and can be fatal if left untreated.
The good news: prevention is easy
Heartworm prevention is simple, safe and far easier than treatment.
There are a range of options available, including monthly tablets, spot-on treatments and annual injections. Puppies can start heartworm prevention from a young age, and there are options available for cats too.
Our caring vets can help you choose the most suitable protection for your pet’s age, lifestyle and health needs.
The key is staying up to date all year round. Because mosquitoes can be present throughout much of the year in Brisbane, heartworm prevention should be maintained throughout the winter months and beyond.
Heartworm treatment.
Unlike many other parasites, heartworm treatment can be lengthy, expensive and require strict exercise restriction while your dog recovers. Prevention is far simpler, safer and less stressful for both pets and their owners.
If you’re not sure whether your furry family member is covered, get in touch with your local My Family Vet clinic. We’re always happy to help.
P.S. Mosquitoes aren’t the only unwelcome visitors in Queensland. Read our guide to spider bites and brown snake bites here.