Protecting Your Pet During National Heartworm Awareness Month
At Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resources in Swansea, IL, we care deeply about your pet’s health—and April gives us a great opportunity to spotlight a serious but preventable disease: heartworm.
Heartworm disease is unfortunately very common in our region, including the greater St. Louis area. That’s why understanding how to protect your pets is essential year-round.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that can grow up to 10–12 inches long. They live in the heart and lung arteries of infected animals, causing severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to other organs.
How Is Heartworm Spread?
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. Here’s how the cycle works:
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A mosquito bites an infected animal, picking up microscopic baby heartworms (microfilariae).
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The larvae mature inside the mosquito for 10–14 days.
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When the mosquito bites another pet, it deposits the larvae.
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These larvae travel through the bloodstream and settle in the heart and lungs, maturing into adult worms over 6–7 months.
Which Pets Are at Risk?
Heartworm disease primarily affects dogs, but cats and ferrets are also vulnerable. While rare, heartworm infections have been seen in wildlife like coyotes, foxes, and wolves—making the disease even harder to control.
Is Heartworm a Problem in Illinois?
Yes! Our area, including Swansea and nearby cities, is considered a high-risk zone. According to data from the American Heartworm Society, heartworm incidence in the Midwest remains concerning.
👉 Click here to view the interactive heartworm incidence map
How Can I Prevent Heartworm Disease?
The best way to keep your pet safe is with year-round heartworm prevention. Preventive medications are:
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Veterinarian-approved
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Safe and affordable
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Often protect against additional parasites like fleas and intestinal worms
💡 Important: Heartworm preventives are available by prescription only because some breeds are sensitive to the medication. Your pet should be tested before starting any preventive treatment.
Why Year-Round Prevention?
Many believe heartworm medication is only needed in warmer months, but with unseasonably warmer winters and knowing that it only takes one infected mosquito bite to transmit heartworms to a pet not on preventative, the American Heartworm Society recommends year-round prevention.
Signs & Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Some pets may show no signs until the disease is advanced. Watch for:
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Persistent cough
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Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
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Weight loss
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Loss of appetite
Severe cases can lead to:
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Labored breathing
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Pale gums
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Dark red urine
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Collapse or sudden death
How Is Heartworm Detected?
An annual blood test is the best way to detect heartworms early. In some cases, additional testing (like X-rays or ultrasounds) may be needed for confirmation.
What If My Pet Tests Positive?
Treatment includes:
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A series of injections (adulticide)
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Hospitalization may be needed for observation
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Close monitoring by our veterinary team
💰 Treatment can be expensive, depending on your pet’s age, weight, and overall health—but early detection and prevention is much more affordable and safer.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?
Untreated heartworm disease can result in:
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Lung and heart failure
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Organ damage (liver, kidneys)
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Sudden death in cases of heavy infestation
Some pets can live symptom-free for years, but any major stress on the body could quickly worsen the condition.
Trust Your Pet’s Heart to Best Friends Animal Hospital
If you haven’t tested your pet or started prevention this year, now is the time! Our compassionate team at Best Friends Animal Hospital & Pet Resources is here to help with:
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Annual heartworm testing
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Prescription preventives
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Personalized treatment plans
📞 Call us today at (618) 222-9860 or schedule your appointment online.
Together, let’s keep your best friend happy, healthy, and heartworm-free!
