Heartworm disease doesn’t discriminate—it’s a serious threat to both dogs and cats. But how it affects each species and how we prevent and treat it differs in critical ways. Capital Pets Animal Hospital wants pet owners to understand the unique risks that heartworms pose to their furry companions, whether they bark or purr. Knowing the differences can help you make the best parasite prevention choices for your pet’s health.
Dogs are the natural host for heartworms, which means the parasites can mature, reproduce, and live for years inside them. Cats, on the other hand, are considered “atypical” hosts. While cats can get heartworms, the parasites often don’t live as long or usually reach full maturity. That doesn’t mean that cats are safe from getting infected—just that their symptoms and risks look different.
So how do the risks stack up? Dogs are at high risk, especially in mosquito-prone areas. Infections are often long-term and can involve dozens of adult worms. Cats have a lower infection rate on average, but even one or two worms can trigger severe or sudden symptoms, including fatal respiratory distress.
Heartworm disease in dogs tends to develop slowly and may not show signs until the disease is advanced. Without treatment, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure, organ damage, and death. Common symptoms include
Cats may exhibit different—and often more sudden—symptoms. Because their bodies are not natural hosts, the presence of even immature heartworms can cause intense inflammation. Symptoms in cats can include:
Unfortunately, there is no approved heartworm disease treatment for cats once infected. Prevention is the only reliable defense.
Preventing heartworm is simple and far safer than treating the disease. Both cats and dogs benefit from consistent, vet-recommended preventative medications. For dogs, this may include monthly oral or topical medications, annual heartworm injections (if appropriate), and annual heartworm testing during a pet wellness exam. Cats should take a monthly topical or oral preventative (whether an indoor or outdoor cat) and discuss risks with their veterinarian. A veterinary team will talk about heartworm, flea, and tick prevention plans based on each pet’s species, health, and lifestyle.
Heartworm disease doesn’t look the same in dogs and cats, but the danger is equally real. Knowing how the disease affects each species—and committing to prevention—is one of the most important choices you can make for your pet’s health. At Capital Pets Animal Hospital, we can answer your questions and help you take proactive steps to shield every member of your four-legged family. Protect your dog or cat from the unique dangers of heartworm disease. Book an appointment for a heartworm test or set up a prevention plan for your pet in the South Sacramento area, including Elk Grove, Florin, and Laguna.
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