Heartworm infections in dogs produce fatal cardiovascular and respiratory disease if undiagnosed and untreated. In recent years there has been much research into heartworm disease in cats – while they suffer a different type of disease than we see in dogs, it can still be fatal. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Mature heartworms in infected animals produce microscopic larvae which are disseminated through the host’s bloodstream. When a mosquito bites the infected animal and feeds on blood, it also ingests a number of the heartworm larvae. The larvae then undergo a phase of development within the mosquito, until they are then transmitted to a new animal when the mosquito moves on and feeds again. The larvae then travel from the bite site through the bloodstream and lodge in the newly infected animal’s heart, where they develop to maturity and continue the lifecycle.

There are many treatment options available to prevent the development of heartworm disease in your pet. Regardless of your lifestyle and your pet’s lifestyle, there IS an affordable and effective treatment available to suit your needs.

Heartworm prevention MUST be continued for the life of your dog or cat.