Pets, Mosquitoes, and Heartworm Disease

Mosquitoes are not only a pest to you, but also for your pet.  Did you know that mosquitoes transmit Heartworm Disease to both dogs and cats?  This happens when a mosquito takes a blood meal from an animal that has heartworm disease, and then it bites your pet and inoculates your pet with heartworm disease.  The good news is Heartworm Disease is PREVENTABLE!

Dog Covered in Mosquitoes.  Getty - E+/Beau Meyer

​Most pets that test positive at our clinic are being screened at their annual wellness exam and are not showing signs of heartworm disease.  We require yearly heartworm tests so that we can identify disease early and treat the pet before the disease causes major problems.  Pets on monthly, year-round heartworm prevention are protected from the disease. 

Heartworm Disease is much more common in dogs than cats, and it is more common in dogs that spend a lot of time outside and are not on prevention.  This is not to say that inside cats and dogs are not at risk; mosquitoes can easily fly into your house and bite your pet.  In the winter months, mosquitoes often hide out inside homes, basements, and garages where it’s warm, which is why it’s important to keep your pet on prevention year round. 

At West Lake Animal Hospital in Springfield, we carry Heartgard and Interceptor Plus for dogs as well as Revolution for cats.  There are many options on the market, but we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is on the best prevention for them.  Many heartworm preventatives also protect against various intestinal parasites and sometimes fleas, and choosing the correct product for your pet’s environment is essential. 

​Our mission is to provide high quality, compassionate veterinary care with a personal touch.  We strive to maintain a friendly and comfortable environment for pets and owners and are committed to building strong, respectful, and honest relationships with our clients.  Through teamwork, we are dedicated to ensuring the best care possible and treating pets as if they were our own.