Heartworm in Dogs and Cats

...They are long, round parasites which grow to be about 12 inches long and live in the right side of the dog's heart. The larvae of the parasite are transmitted to dogs through mosquitoes. The growth of the heartworms can block the flow of blood to your pet's heart and eventually cause death. It is important to have your pet tested for this disease if you suspect he may have it.

There are no symptoms in Canine Heartworm until the disease is in the advanced stages.

Dogs:

Heart failure

Dull coat

Lack of energy

Coughing

Difficulty breathing

Enlarged abdomen

Dogs and cats that are outside most of the time are almost guaranteed to get heartworm. Even pets that are mostly indoors are at risk just from going outside for a short period of time. Any mosquito that comes into your house can carry the heartworm disease, therefore putting even "indoor" animals at risk.

...They are long, round parasites which grow to be about 12 inches long and live in the right side of the dog's heart. The larvae of the parasite are transmitted to dogs through mosquitoes. The growth of the heartworms can block the flow of blood to your pet's heart and eventually cause death. It is important to have your pet tested for this disease if you suspect he may have it.

Cats with heartworm typically show some signs similar to asthma:

Vomiting

Wheezing, coughing

Fainting spells

Hindquarter paralysis

Sudden unexplained death

Dogs and cats that are outside most of the time are almost guaranteed to get heartworm. Even pets that are mostly indoors are at risk just from going outside for a short period of time. Any mosquito that comes into your house can carry the heartworm disease, therefore putting even "indoor" animals at risk.