Heartworms are a serious life-threatening, year-round parasitic threat to both indoor and outdoor pets. Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms are extremely common in the warm, moisture rich environment found in Louisiana.
Heartworm larvae are carried to healthy animals by mosquitoes that have previously bitten infected animals. Unless your pet is taking a heartworm preventative, the microfilaria, larvae of the parasites, will mature into adult worms. Adult heartworms can cause serious damage to the animal’s blood vessels, lungs and heart, and may ultimately cause death.
The best course of action is to have your pets tested regularly for the presence of heartworms and kept on a heartworm preventative regimen for the rest of their lives. Having your pet on a monthly preventative treatment is much less expensive than having to treat adult heartworms. There are several options available for the prevention of this potentially life-threatening disease. Our doctor will determine which preventative is right for your pet, based on their needs and lifestyle.