Heartworm Prevention Starts Before Mosquito Season Peaks

HEARTWORM PREVENTION STARTS BEFORE MOSQUITO SEASON PEAKS

Spring and summer bring longer days, warmer evenings, and unfortunately—mosquitoes. While mosquito bites are often just an annoyance for people, they can expose pets to a serious disease known as heartworm.

Heartworm disease is preventable, but once infection occurs it can become complicated and dangerous.

What Is Heartworm?

Heartworm is caused by parasitic worms that are spread through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a dog or cat, microscopic larvae can enter the bloodstream.

Over time, these worms mature and live in the:

• Heart

• Lungs

• Blood vessels

As the worms grow, they can interfere with circulation and damage major organs.

Why Heartworm Is Serious

Heartworm disease can lead to:

• Chronic coughing

• Fatigue

• Difficulty exercising

• Weight loss

• Breathing problems

• Heart failure in severe cases

Treatment in dogs can be lengthy, expensive, and requires careful medical supervision.

Cats can also become infected, and even a small number of worms may cause serious respiratory disease.

When Is the Risk Highest?

Mosquitoes become active as temperatures rise in spring and remain active through warm weather seasons. Indoor pets are not fully protected, mosquitoes frequently enter homes.

Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

Heartworm prevention is simple compared with treatment. Preventive medications stop immature larvae before they develop into adult worms.

We often recommend:

• Starting prevention before mosquito season peaks

• Staying consistent with monthly doses

• Annual heartworm testing for dogs

  
  

One mosquito bite can create risk. Preventing heartworm is safer, easier, and less costly than treating it later.

At Novel, we can help you build a heartworm prevention plan tailored to your pet.

Fun Fact: Heartworms Can Grow Surprisingly Long

Adult heartworms can grow up to 30 cm (12 inches) in length and live inside the heart and major blood vessels.

A single dog can carry many worms at once, which is why heartworm disease can become so serious over time.

The good news: prevention stops them before they ever reach adulthood.