What to Do If Your Pet Contracts Heartworms: Treatment and Care from a Veterinarian Near You

Finding out your pet has heartworms can feel overwhelming—but you're not alone. At Grand Park Animal Clinic, your veterinarian in Katy, TX, we can help many pet owners navigate this difficult situation with compassion and a clear plan. While heartworm disease is serious, it is also treatable when caught in time.

Understanding Heartworm Disease

Heartworms are parasites that are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Over time, these worms grow and settle in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. If left untreated, the infection can cause long-term damage or even become fatal. Dogs are most commonly affected but cats can also contract the disease.

Common signs in dogs include coughing, fatigue after exercise, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. In cats, signs can range from mild wheezing to sudden collapse. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all in the early stages.

Steps to Take After Diagnosis

If your pet tests positive for heartworms, don’t panic—we will walk you through the next steps. Here’s what the general process typically looks like for dogs:

●             Confirm the Diagnosis: A second test may be done to confirm the presence of heartworms and determine the extent of the infection.

●             Limit Activity: Restricting exercise is one of the most important steps. Physical activity can increase the risk of complications as the worms die and break down.

●             Stabilize If Needed: In advanced cases, your pet may need medication to stabilize their condition before beginning the main treatment.

●             Begin Treatment: Dogs are typically treated with a series of injections that kill the adult worms, along with medications to control inflammation and prevent new infections.

●             Monitor Recovery: Follow-up appointments, rest, and continued prevention are essential to help your pet heal fully.

Ongoing Care and Prevention

Once your pet has been treated, it’s vital to keep them on a heartworm prevention program. Monthly medications are available to stop new infections before they start. These are often combined with other parasite preventives, making them a simple part of your pet’s routine care.

Get Parasite Prevention Treatment from a Veterinarian Near You

At Grand Park Animal Clinic, your veterinarian in Katy, TX, we know how much your pet means to you. Dealing with heartworm disease can feel like an uphill climb, but with the right treatment plan and consistent care, recovery is possible. If your pet has tested positive or you suspect something’s wrong, don’t wait. Call us at (281) 392-3127 for parasite prevention treatment from a veterinarian near you.