Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm Prevention & Testing in Surprise, AZ
In Arizona, mosquitoes are a year-round problem. When mosquitoes bite your pet is when they can transmit the heartworm infection. And it only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit this nasty disease—a condition that can wreak havoc on your pet's health and is expensive to treat. Here at Animal Medical Center of Surprise, we focus on proactive prevention to keep your dogs and cats safe from these life-threatening parasites.
Why Heartworm Prevention is Critical
Heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected pets. Because symptoms are often invisible until the disease is advanced, consistent prevention is the only way to ensure your pet's are kept safe and protected.
Heartworms in Dogs
In dogs, heartworm disease can lead to permanent organ damage or fatal heart failure. Symptoms may include persistent coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and in severe cases, "caval syndrome"—a life-threatening liver complication.
Heartworms in Cats
Cats can get heartworms too. Even one or two worms can be fatal. Cats often suffer from Heartworm-Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD), with symptoms like wheezing and panting that mimic asthma. Since there is no approved medical treatment for heartworms in cats, prevention is their only defense.
Heartworm Myths vs. Facts
There is a lot of misinformation regarding parasite protection. Here are the facts pet owners should know:
| Myth | Fact |
| "My pet stays indoors, so they aren't at risk." | Mosquitoes frequently get inside homes through doors and window screens. One indoor mosquito bite is all it takes for infection. |
| "It's too dry in Arizona for heartworms." | While we live in a desert, irrigation, swimming pools, and monsoon rains create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes year-round. |
| "I can skip prevention during the winter." | Arizona temperatures rarely stay cold enough long enough to kill off mosquito populations. Constant, year-round prevention is vital. |
| "I'll just treat the infection if they get it." | Treatment for dogs is painful, involves weeks of strict crate rest, and costs thousands of dollars. For cats, there is no cure. |
Our Recommended Preventatives
We offer several convenient options tailored to your lifestyle:
- For Dogs: * ProHeart® Injections: A single injection administered by our staff that provides 6 to 12 months of continuous protection. No more monthly pills!
- Sentinel®: A monthly oral tablet that protects against heartworms and various intestinal parasites.
- For Cats: * Monthly Oral Preventatives: Easy-to-administer protection specifically formulated for feline safety.
Heartworm Testing Requirements
To ensure your pet's safety, the American Heartworm Society and our medical team require:
- Initial Testing: All pets 6 months of age or older must be tested before starting a preventative.
- Annual Screening: Yearly testing confirms your pet remains heartworm-free and ensures the medication is working effectively.
Protect Your Pet Today
Don't leave your pet's health to chance. Whether you prefer a monthly chewable or a long-lasting injection, our team in Surprise, AZ, is here to help you choose the best protection.
Call us at (623) 295-1811 to schedule your pet’s annual heartworm test.
References & Educational Resources
- American Heartworm Society: Heartworm Basics: Transmission and Life Cycle
- AVMA: Heartworm Disease in Cats and Dogs
- FDA: Keep the Worms Out of Your Pet's Heart: Prevention and Facts
