Heartworm Medicine for Dogs & Cats: Why Prevention Is Essential

Have you ever wondered why we absolutely recommend heartworm medicine for dogs and cats? Heartworm disease is a dangerous and potentially deadly infestation caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets. These microscopic parasites are transmitted through mosquito bites and develop beneath the skin in the blood vessels before migrating to the heart. Here, they mature into full-size worms, reaching 10-12 inches in length. On average, it takes around 6 months for them to fully mature, and they can live up to 7 years. If you could see these deadly invaders, like intestinal parasites in your pet’s poop, you wouldn’t hesitate to use prevention! Fortunately, heartworm medicine for dogs is highly effective in stopping the disease before it starts. Annual testing for heartworms is a straight forward test that only requires 3 drops of blood with fast results. At Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, we’re committed to helping pet owners protect their furry companions year-round with a consistent regimen of heartworm testing and medications that keep your pet’s heart healthy

Heartworm Medicine for Dogs & Cats: What Is Heartworm Disease? Understanding the Risks

Heartworm disease begins when an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, transmitting heartworm larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae travel just below the surface of the skin before settling into the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. Left untreated, heartworms can cause severe damage to a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has progressed, making prevention essential!

Common signs of heartworm disease include:

  • Coughing & Breathing Problems: As heartworms multiply, they block blood flow and cause respiratory distress or asthmatic-type signs (such as in cats). 
  • Lethargy & Weight Loss: Infected dogs may become less active and struggle with weight loss due to organ damage.
  • Heart & Lung Complications: Severe cases can result in heart failure, lung disease, and even sudden death, especially in cats. Some cats show no signs at all before death.

Because mosquitoes are the primary carriers of heartworms, any dog or cat is at risk—even those that stay indoors. Think about how many times you have killed a mosquito in your home, especially here in the lowcountry of South Carolina. The best way to protect your pet is through consistent use of heartworm medicine.

HW Life Cycle

How Heartworm Medicine for Dogs & Cats Works

Heartworm medicine is designed to kill heartworm larvae before they mature into adults. Preventative medications work by eliminating the early-stage parasites transmitted by mosquitoes, stopping the infection before it can cause harm. Veterinarians recommend year-round protection, as even a single missed dose can leave your dog vulnerable to infection.

To learn more about the importance of year-round parasite prevention, watch this video!

Types of Heartworm Medicine for Dogs & Cats: Choosing the Best Prevention

There are several heartworm prevention options available, making it easy to find the right protection for your pet:

  • Oral Medication: Flavored chews like Credielo Quattro are easy to administer and protect against multiple parasites, like intestinal worms, fleas, and ticks.
  • Topical Applications: Products like Advantage Multi and Revolution provide protection against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites.
  • Injectable Products: ProHeart 12 is a convenient, year-long injectable heartworm prevention option for dogs.

We advise all pet owners to consult with their veterinarian before giving any new products to their pet. Here at Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, we can help determine the best heartworm medicine based on your pet’s lifestyle, health status, and risk factors. Each pet is different, which is why we create custom health plans to help keep them healthy and happy!

Heartworm Medicine for Dogs & Cats: Protect Your Pet Today with Heartworm Prevention

When it comes to heartworms, an ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. Preventing heartworm disease is far easier—and more affordable—than treating an active heartworm infection. For dog owners, the heartworm treatment protocol is costly, lengthy, and comes with multiple risks. Of note, there is no recognized treatment for cats which is why prevention is imperative. At Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital, we recommend annual heartworm testing and year-round preventive care to ensure your pet stays safe and healthy. If your pet isn’t on heartworm prevention or you have questions about the best heartworm medicine for dogs and cats, contact us today at (843) 884-4921 or book an appointment online.

Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of a locally owned, family-owned network of animal hospitals known as Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry. Our network includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital: South Mount Pleasant SC, At Coleman Blvd and Old Village
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic: Central Mount Pleasant SC, At Town Center
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital: North Mount Pleasant SC, At North MP and Hwy 41

Let’s work together to keep our pets, families, and community safe!