
What Pet Owners Should Know About Heartworms
Heartworms are one of those invisible dangers that can affect your pet’s health before you even know it. Spread by mosquitoes, these parasites can live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of dogs and cats — silently causing serious damage if left untreated. The good news? Heartworms are preventable, and protection is easier than ever.
What Are Heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that, once inside your pet, can grow up to a foot long. In dogs, they thrive in the heart and lungs, eventually causing what’s known as heartworm disease. Symptoms often start subtle — a light cough, fatigue, or weight loss — but over time, the infection can lead to heart failure and other severe complications.
In cats, heartworm infection can be more difficult to detect. Cats are not natural hosts for heartworms, but when infected, they can experience respiratory issues, vomiting, or sudden collapse. Even indoor cats are at risk because mosquitoes don’t need an open door to find a way inside.
How Do Pets Get Heartworms?
Mosquitoes are the only known vector for transmitting heartworm larvae. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic heartworm larvae and can pass them along to the next animal it feeds on. Since mosquitoes are widespread — especially in warm, humid climates — your pet doesn’t have to be in contact with other animals to be at risk.
Prevention Is the Best Medicine
The easiest way to deal with heartworms? Prevent them altogether. There are trusted, vet-recommended preventatives that kill off heartworm larvae before they mature. Many of them also protect against fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, making them a simple, all-in-one solution.
Popular options include:
- Advocate (Advantage Multi) – Broad-spectrum protection in a convenient spot-on formula.
- Bravecto – A chewable monthly treatment 6 monthly spot on for dogs that fights heartworms and more.
- NexGard Spectra – Combines flea, tick, and heartworm protection in one tasty chew.
- Revolution – Spot-on protection suitable for both dogs and cats.
- Simparica Trio - Chewable monthly treatment for dogs protecting from flea, tick, worms.
And the best part?
You can buy many of these from our store without needing a vet prescription, saving you time and an extra trip to the clinic.
How Often Should You Treat?
Heartworm prevention is usually given once a month, year-round. Even in cooler months, skipping doses can leave a window of opportunity for heartworm larvae to grow. Think of it like brushing your teeth — consistency is what keeps trouble away.
The Bottom Line
Heartworms are dangerous, but they’re also one of the most preventable health issues your pet could face. With the right routine and a trusted preventative, you can rest easy knowing your furry friend is protected — even during peak mosquito season.
Browse our collection of heartworm preventatives today and keep your pet safe, happy, and heartworm-free — without needing a vet prescription.