Protecting Your Pets from Heartworm Disease in Georgetown, KY

Why Heartworm Prevention Matters Year-Round

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that invade the lungs, heart, and blood vessels of dogs, cats, and ferrets. Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, heartworm disease is a significant concern for pet owners in Georgetown, KY, where warm temperatures allow mosquito populations to thrive nearly year-round.

If left untreated, heartworms can grow up to 12 inches long, live for 5 to 7 years in dogs, and cause chronic organ damage, heart failure, and respiratory complications. The Canine Heartworm Prevalence Map 2024 – CAPC illustrates just how widespread heartworm disease is, underscoring the importance of consistent prevention efforts.

At Central Kentucky Veterinary Center, we are committed to helping pet owners understand the risks of heartworm disease and the best ways to protect their pets year-round.

Understanding Heartworm Disease: Lifecycle and Impact

How Pets Get Heartworm Disease

Heartworms have a complex lifecycle that begins when a mosquito bites an infected animal, ingesting microscopic larvae. The mosquito then transmits these larvae to another pet when it bites again. Over 6 months, these larvae mature into adult heartworms, reproducing and spreading within the pet’s circulatory system.

Once heartworms establish themselves in the heart and lungs, they can cause:

  • Severe lung disease
  • Heart failure
  • Permanent organ damage

Even pets that survive heartworm disease may suffer from long-term health issues, making prevention far easier and more cost-effective than treatment.

For more details on year-round prevention, visit The Importance of Year-Round Parasite Prevention for Pets.

Recognizing the Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Early and Advanced Symptoms

Heartworm disease progresses gradually, making early detection crucial. Common symptoms include:

  • Mild, persistent cough
  • Lethargy and reluctance to exercise
  • Weight loss and decreased appetite

In advanced cases, pets may show:

  • Swollen limbs or fluid accumulation in the abdomen
  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Heart failure symptoms

Emergency Situation: Caval Syndrome
A life-threatening complication called caval syndrome can occur when a large number of heartworms block blood flow within the heart. Symptoms include:

  • Sudden labored breathing
  • Pale gums
  • Dark or bloody urine

Immediate veterinary intervention is required, and surgery is often the only option. If your pet is showing signs of distress, contact us at Central Kentucky Veterinary Center right away.

For a deeper understanding of heartworm-related cardiac complications, visit Signs of Heart Disease in Dogs – Morris Animal Foundation.

Diagnosing and Treating Heartworm Disease

How Veterinarians Diagnose Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is typically detected through a simple blood test, which checks for heartworm proteins. In more advanced cases, X-rays, ultrasounds, or echocardiograms may be needed to assess heart and lung damage.

Heartworm Treatment Challenges

Heartworm treatment is costly, intensive, and risky, often requiring:

  • A series of injections to kill adult heartworms
  • Strict exercise restrictions to prevent complications
  • Pain management and supportive care

In severe cases, surgical removal of heartworms may be the only life-saving option. Once a pet has been treated, ongoing prevention is essential to prevent reinfection.

Preventing Heartworm Disease: The Best Approach

Pro-Heart 12: A Veterinarian-Recommended Preventative

At Central Kentucky Veterinary Center, we strongly recommend Pro-Heart 12, an injectable once-a-year heartworm prevention that eliminates the need for monthly doses.

Benefits of Pro-Heart 12:

  • Year-round protection with one injection
  • No risk of missed doses
  • Veterinarian-administered for accuracy and safety

Ask your vet about Pro-Heart 12 at your pet’s next visit.

When to Start Heartworm Prevention

Heartworm prevention should begin as early as 6-8 weeks of age, as recommended by your veterinarian. Puppies and kittens are just as vulnerable to mosquito bites as adult pets, and early prevention sets the foundation for a lifetime of protection.

Beyond Heartworms: Comprehensive Parasite Protection

The Threat of Fleas and Ticks

Mosquitoes aren’t the only year-round threat to your pet’s health. Ticks and fleas can transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease and Bartonellosis (“cat scratch fever”). Preventative products can be combined with heartworm prevention to offer comprehensive protection.

For expert guidance, visit Preventing Ticks on Pets – CDC.

FAQs: What Pet Owners Need to Know

What happens if I miss a dose of heartworm prevention?

If your pet misses a dose, contact your veterinarian immediately. A lapse in prevention leaves your pet vulnerable to infection. Your vet may recommend retesting before restarting prevention.

Can indoor pets get heartworm disease?

Yes. Mosquitoes can enter homes, putting indoor pets at risk. Heartworm prevention is essential for all pets, even those that rarely go outdoors.

Can cats get heartworm disease?

Yes. Although heartworms affect cats differently than dogs, even a single worm can be fatal. Since there is no approved treatment for heartworms in cats, prevention is the only option.

Take Action: Protect Your Pet Today

Heartworm disease is entirely preventable with the right precautions. At Central Kentucky Veterinary Center, we offer expert guidance and effective heartworm prevention solutions tailored to your pet’s needs.

Schedule a Heartworm Prevention Consultation Today!

Contact Us to discuss the best protection for your pet.

By staying proactive, you can ensure your pet leads a long, healthy, and heartworm-free life.