Heartworm has a complicated life cycle.  Infected dogs have immature heartworms (called "microfilaria"), circulating in their bloodstream.  These microfilariae are sucked up when mosquitoes feed on the blood of infected dogs. The immature parasite develops into a heartworm larva inside the mosquito, then a single bite from a carrier mosquito can infect your pet (dog or cat). As the worms mature in the heart they can cause a physical blockage as well as thickening of the heart and associated blood vessels.  In the early stages of infection there may be no visible signs, however, infection may eventually lead to signs of heart failure (reluctance to exercise, lethargy, coughing) and even death. Heartworm is present throughout most of Australia (except Tasmania and arid areas).  With climate change, wild dogs and mosquitoes are able to travel further inland to the outback where heartworm was previously not found.    

Thankfully, heartworm is very easy to prevent and should form part of your pet health care routine.

We have very effective preventative treatment options available with our most common one being an injectable form (for dogs only).  This means less struggles with tableting your dog monthly and helping to ensure they are covered yearly.  Plus, this can be done during yearly vaccinations to help condense visits.  Prevention also comes in tablets, chews, and spot-on's. If your pet has not been on heartworm prevention, we need to perform a heartworm test prior to starting a prevention program to ensure it is safe. 

Please call us to discuss your options for heartworm prevention in your pet.