Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition spread by mosquitoes, and it is present in Nebraska. The good news is that it is almost completely preventable. At The Pet Clinic, we help pets in Omaha, NE stay protected with annual testing, year-round prevention and treatment for dogs that test positive.
How Heartworm Disease Spreads
When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up immature heartworm larvae. The next time it bites a dog or cat, those larvae enter the new host and travel through the body. Over about six months, they mature into adult worms up to a foot long that live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels, causing lasting damage. Because mosquitoes can get indoors, indoor-only cats are also at risk.
Signs of Heartworm Disease
Early infections often cause no signs at all, which is why testing matters. As disease progresses, dogs may show:
- A mild, persistent cough
- Tiring easily with exercise
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- A swollen belly from fluid buildup
- Collapse in severe cases
In cats, signs can mimic asthma and include coughing, rapid breathing, vomiting or sudden collapse.
Testing and Diagnosis
We recommend a simple heartworm blood test once a year for dogs, which we can run in our in-house laboratory during your pet’s wellness exam. Dogs that test positive are evaluated further with bloodwork and chest X-rays, and ultrasound can help assess the heart. Diagnosing heartworm in cats is more complex and may involve several tests.
Heartworm Treatment
Dogs diagnosed with heartworm disease follow a carefully staged treatment protocol that includes medications to kill the worms and strict exercise restriction to prevent complications. Our team guides you through every step and monitors your dog closely. There is no approved treatment to kill heartworms in cats, so prevention is especially important for them.
Year-Round Prevention
Monthly chewables, topicals and long-lasting injectable options protect pets from heartworm, and many also cover intestinal parasites and fleas that trigger allergies. Our vaccine and parasite control team will help you choose the right product, and our in-house pharmacy makes it easy to pick up refills. Senior pets and pets with other health problems may need extra monitoring through sick visits. View all conditions we treat or visit our New Clients page.
Heartworm Disease FAQs
Is heartworm disease common in Nebraska?
Yes. Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, and mosquitoes in Nebraska can spread it, so year-round prevention is recommended.
Does my indoor cat need heartworm prevention?
Yes. Mosquitoes can get indoors, and many cats diagnosed with heartworm disease live indoors. There is no approved treatment for cats, so prevention is key.
How often should my dog be tested for heartworm?
Dogs should be tested once a year, even when they are on year-round prevention, to confirm the prevention is working.
Can heartworm disease be treated?
In dogs, yes. Treatment involves a staged series of medications and strict rest. It is more costly and difficult than prevention.
Why give heartworm prevention year-round?
Year-round use protects against unpredictable mosquito seasons and missed doses, and many products also control intestinal parasites.
What happens if I miss a dose of heartworm prevention?
Give the dose as soon as you remember and call us. Your veterinarian may recommend retesting in several months.
Can heartworms spread directly from one pet to another?
No. Heartworms are only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Protect Your Pet From Heartworm Disease
Schedule your pet’s annual heartworm test and prevention plan. Call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 or request an appointment in Omaha, NE .