Heartworm Prevention and Treatment

Heartworms don't have a heart when it comes to your pets. They enter your pet's body, grow, and reproduce, often causing serious complications or severe illness.

At Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital, serving Mattituck - Laurel, NY, and the nearby region, we believe that the best defense against heartworm is prevention, including through dental care. 

What to Know about Heartworm

Heartworms are long, parasitic worms that infest an animal's heart and lungs. Mosquitoes transmit them from one animal to another, so it’s easy for pets to become infected even on a brief trip outdoors.

Common symptoms include a reluctance to exercise, especially when the worms have infested the lungs, which makes breathing difficult. In some cases, the infestation will cause your pet to feel generally lousy and nauseated. If this is the case, you may also notice your pet doesn't have much appetite and is losing weight. 

Some pets develop a persistent cough, which can cause your pet to vomit if they are coughing hard enough. Continued vomiting can lead to painful (and costly) dental problems for your pet. 

Why Get Heartworm Treated 

While most dogs survive heartworm, they can still experience prolonged discomfort and complications. Occasionally, untreated or poorly-managed heartworm can have serious consequences, including heart failure. 

In cats, heartworm infestations are untreatable. Our veterinarians will manage your cat’s condition until the worms resolve themselves, which can sometimes take up to two or three years. Our hospital is equipped to offer a surgical solution to heartworm for cats, but we reserve this treatment for worst-case scenarios due to the risks involved.

Prevention Is Key

When it comes to your pet's health, prevention is always preferable to treatment - especially when it comes to heartworm. If your pet is already experiencing the effects of heartworm, we can help manage their symptoms through advice and other services, like pet dental care. 

The Mattituck-Laurel Veterinary Hospital offers dental services, heartworm prevention, and much more to our furry friends in the Mattituck - Laurel, NY, area. 

Call 631-298-1177 to book an appointment with us today and start your pet on the journey to better all-around health.