Heartworms: What Adopters Should Know
Heartworms are common, manageable, and not a reason to pass up a loving pet. Learn how heartworms affect dogs, cats, and puppies—and how routine prevention can help protect your pet.
What Are Heartworms?
- Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart and lungs.
- They are spread only through mosquito bites.
- Dogs and cats cannot spread heartworms directly to each other.
- Even indoor pets can be exposed because mosquitoes can get inside homes.
- Heartworms are preventable with routine care
- With veterinary guidance, heartworms are manageable and treatable.
Heartworms in Dogs and Puppies
Dogs are the most common host for heartworms, and many infected dogs show little to no symptoms.
Puppies can safely begin heartworm prevention at a young age, making prevention an important part of routine pet care.
If a Dog Tests Positive
A heartworm-positive diagnosis does not mean a dog cannot live a happy, healthy life.
- Most dogs feel normal.
- Treatment is very successful.
- After treatment, dogs can live long, happy lives.
- A heartworm diagnosis does not define a dog's future.
Heartworms in Cats
Heartworms are less common in cats than in dogs, but they can still occur.
Because cats can be exposed to mosquitoes—even when they live indoors—monthly prevention is especially important for indoor cats.
Prevention and Next Steps
Heartworms are preventable with routine veterinary care.
Prevention options include:
- Monthly chewable or topical medications
- Year-round prevention for dogs, cats, and puppies
- Annual heartworm testing for dogs
Talk with your veterinarian about the heartworm prevention and testing schedule that is right for your pet.
For Heartworm-Positive Dogs
Pet Circle Regional Animal Center provides the first 30 days of doxycycline to help support your dog while you have time to schedule a veterinary visit, discuss treatment, and begin the recommended treatment plan.
Our Promise to Adopters
At Pet Circle Regional Animal Center, we believe:
- Every pet deserves a loving home.
- Heartworms are treatable and preventable.
- Treatment and prevention options are available.
- Heartworm-positive pets are just as loving and deserving.
A heartworm diagnosis does not change a pet's ability to be a loving companion.