Heartworm Prevention in North Houston

At TEXAVET, we aim to help your pet live a long, healthy life. We proudly offer effective heartworm prevention for dogs and cats to enhance their well-being. Our commitment is to support your pets’ health and longevity so they can enjoy many years by your side.

Based in North Houston, our mobile clinic offers comprehensive heartworm prevention services to Cypress, Katy, and neighboring areas. Our goal is to deliver high-quality care that promotes your pet’s health and well-being. Count on our compassionate approach to preventive care to help your pet stay healthy and happy. If you are looking for preventive care for heartworm in North Houston, visit us today!

What Causes Heartworm?

Heartworm disease in pets is caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through mosquito bites. When infected mosquitoes bite animals like dogs or cats, they transfer larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae mature into adult worms within the heart and surrounding blood vessels, causing symptoms like coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Diagnosis involves blood tests, and treatment aims to kill adult worms, though it can be risky and costly.

Heartworm Prevention and Testing for Dogs

Our team offers comprehensive heartworm prevention to your dogs through monthly preventive medications prescribed by our veterinarians. These medications, available in chewable tablets, topical treatments, or injectables, effectively eliminate immature larvae transmitted by mosquitoes before they can develop into adult worms in your dog’s bloodstream. This proactive approach helps safeguard your dog from the serious health risks associated with heartworm disease.

Our practice will perform a rapid blood test if your dog requires a heartworm test. We kindly request that you wait in your car during the processing time, which generally takes about 10 minutes. This test is crucial as it identifies the presence of adult heartworms or their offspring (microfilariae) in your dog’s bloodstream. Early detection enables us to promptly address heartworm concerns, allowing for timely treatment to prevent potential health complications.

Heartworm Prevention for Cats

Our team offers comprehensive heartworm prevention for your cat, including monthly medication our veterinarians prescribe in topical or oral forms. We advocate for keeping cats indoors to minimize exposure to the mosquitos which transmit heartworm larvae. Regular veterinary checkups, including annual heartworm testing, ensure proactive monitoring and early detection if necessary. Additionally, we provide guidance on mosquito control measures around your home to reduce the risk of infection further.

How to Prevent Heartworm

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and seem unavoidable, especially during certain times of the year or in certain climates. However, there are effective measures you can take to prevent heartworm disease in pets despite their presence. Preventive measures you can take to avoid heartworm include:

Consistent Preventive Medication:

Ensure your pet receives their monthly heartworm preventive medication without interruption, as our veterinarian recommends.

Annual Heartworm Testing:

Schedule regular heartworm tests annually, even if your pet is on preventive medication, to detect any infection early.

Mosquito Control:

Minimize mosquito exposure by removing standing water around your home, using mosquito repellents designed for pets, and keeping your yard well-maintained.

Educational Awareness:

Stay informed about heartworm disease, its symptoms, and preventive measures to safeguard your pet’s health effectively.

Heartworm FAQs

We understand you may have questions regarding heartworms. Our experienced team is equipped with the knowledge to answer your questions and provide peace of mind during your pet’s care. Common questions about heartworms include:

Is heartworm disease contagious among pets?

No, heartworm disease cannot be directly transmitted between pets. It requires the intermediate host, which is the mosquito, for transmission. However, multiple pets in the same household can be exposed to infected mosquitoes and should all be on preventive medication.

When should I start my pet on heartworm-preventive medication?

Puppies and kittens should start on heartworm preventive medication as early as our veterinarian recommends, typically around eight weeks of age. Adult pets should also begin preventive medication immediately if they are not already on it.

Can indoor pets get heartworm disease?

Yes, indoor pets can still get heartworm disease if bitten by an infected mosquito. While outdoor exposure increases the risk, mosquitoes occasionally enter indoor environments and transmit the disease.

How often should pets be tested for heartworms?

Pets should be tested annually for heartworm infection, even those on preventive medication year-round. This ensures that any disease can be detected early and treated before serious complications arise.

Quality Heartworm Prevention in North Houston

At TEXAVET, we proudly serve North Houston with our heartworm prevention services. Our goal is to provide top-tier care that promotes your pet’s health through compassionate and personalized veterinary services. Whether you’re seeking preventative measures or ongoing support, our team is committed to helping your pet thrive. Call us today to learn more about our North Houston heartworm care!