Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition—but it’s also preventable.
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, our team is dedicated to helping you detect, treat, and prevent heartworm disease in both dogs and cats. Whether your pet is playful and young or aging gracefully, protecting them from parasites is one of the best ways to ensure a long, happy life.
With in-house diagnostics, compassionate care, and personalized prevention plans, we offer peace of mind and powerful protection against this dangerous disease. Let’s explore what heartworm disease looks like—and how we can help.
This Article Will Address:
- What heartworm disease is and how it spreads
- Early and advanced symptoms in dogs and cats
- The long-term effects on pet health
- How vets diagnose and treat heartworm
- How often your pet should be tested
- Best practices for heartworm prevention
- Why Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital is trusted by Gallatin pet owners
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What Is Heartworm Disease in Pets?
Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Once inside a pet’s body, the worms mature and live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels. Over time, this leads to inflammation, restricted blood flow, and potentially fatal organ damage.
Heartworm affects both dogs and cats, though symptoms and treatment approaches can differ. Fortunately, this disease is entirely preventable with year-round veterinary care.
What Are the First Signs of Heartworm in Dogs and Cats?
In its earliest stages, heartworm disease may show no obvious symptoms. But as the worms grow and multiply, your pet may begin to show subtle changes, including:
- Occasional coughing
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Slight weight loss
In cats, symptoms may differ and can include vomiting, wheezing, and even sudden collapse. If your pet is showing any of these signs, early intervention can make all the difference.
What Are the Advanced Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Pets?
As heartworm disease progresses, more serious signs often develop. These may include:
- Persistent coughing or labored breathing
- Swollen abdomen (from fluid buildup)
- Fainting or collapse
- Reluctance to exercise or play
- Sudden death (especially in cats, even with few or no prior symptoms)
At this stage, urgent veterinary attention is needed to manage the disease and prevent further damage.
What Are the Effects of Heartworm Disease on Pets’ Health?
If left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to:
- Damage to the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels
- Chronic inflammation that causes pain and discomfort
- Reduced quality of life due to fatigue, breathing problems, and stress
- Long-term complications and, in some cases, heart failure or death
What Tests Do Vets Use to Diagnose Heartworm?
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, we use a range of accurate, fast, and pet-friendly diagnostic tools to identify heartworm disease early:
- Antigen tests: Detect adult female heartworms in the bloodstream
- Microfilariae tests: Identify immature worms circulating in the blood
- Chest X-rays and ultrasound: Help assess heart and lung condition
Heartworm diagnostics can be done in-house, which means faster results and treatment decisions without delay.
How Can Vets Treat Heartworm Disease?
Treating heartworm disease involves a carefully staged plan to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort. Treatment typically includes:
- Stabilization of symptoms in severe cases
- Adulticide therapy to kill mature heartworms
- Microfilaricide medication to eliminate larvae
- Strict activity restriction to prevent complications during treatment
- Ongoing monitoring for side effects and long-term recovery
Our team customizes every treatment plan based on your pet’s condition, weight, and response to care. We’ll walk you through every step with compassion and clarity.
How Often Should My Pet Get Tested for Heartworms by a Vet?
Routine testing is essential—even if your pet is on monthly prevention.
- Dogs should be tested once a year
- Cats, though less commonly infected, should be screened regularly—especially if they go outdoors
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, heartworm testing can be included in your pet’s annual wellness exam.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Heartworm Disease in Pets?
Prevention is simple, safe, and far less costly than treatment. We recommend:
- Year-round monthly preventatives: These may be oral tablets, topicals, or injectables
- Annual heartworm tests to catch any breakthrough infections
- Minimizing mosquito exposure, especially in warmer months
- Following your vet’s customized prevention plan
We’ll help you choose the best product and schedule based on your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle.
Why Choose Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital for Heartworm Disease Treatment?
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital in Gallatin, TN, we don’t just treat heartworm—we work to prevent it with personalized, proactive care. Pet owners choose us for:
- An experienced team of veterinarians, including dedicated licensed technicians
- A calm, welcoming environment designed to reduce stress for both pets and their people
- On-site imaging and an in-house pharmacy for faster diagnosis and treatment
- Prevention plans tailored to puppies, adults, and senior pets alike
- A long-standing reputation for compassionate, high-quality veterinary care
We’re here to help your pet stay heartworm-free and thrive at every stage of life
Visit a Heartworm Disease Vet in Gallatin, TN
Heartworm disease is preventable—but only with the right care. If you’ve noticed signs of fatigue, coughing, or appetite changes in your pet, don’t wait.
At Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital in Gallatin, TN, we offer expert testing, treatment, and prevention to protect your pet from heartworm disease and keep them living their happiest, healthiest life.
Contact us to schedule your pet’s heartworm screening and wellness exam.
Sources:
Dr. Benjamin L. Zimmerman, DVM
Dr. Benjamin L. Zimmerman, co-owner of Bluegrass Veterinary Hospital, has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since he was eight, inspired by a formative experience on his uncle’s chicken farm. With extensive hands-on experience on various farms, he values educating pet owners about their furry companions. When not caring for animals, he enjoys playing the fiddle, cooking, and spending time outdoors with his family and pets.
