Hearing the words “Your pet has heartworm” can be a scary moment for any pet owner. While heartworm disease is serious and potentially life-threatening, it is treatable in many cases, especially when detected early. At Homeward Bound Veterinary Services, we understand how overwhelming a heartworm diagnosis can feel. During National Heartworm Awareness Month, we will guide you through what happens next, step-by-step, so you feel informed and empowered to help your pet recover.
How Are Pets Tested for Heartworm?
The first step in any heartworm treatment plan is accurate diagnosis. Heartworm disease often begins silently, with few or no symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important.
Most heartworm infections are first detected through a simple antigen blood test performed during your pet’s annual wellness visit. This test detects proteins released by adult female heartworms and typically provides results in just a few minutes.
If the antigen test is positive, additional steps are needed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate how far the disease has progressed. These follow-up diagnostics may include blood chemistry panels, X-rays, and echocardiograms. These tests give your veterinary team a full picture of your pet’s condition in order to create an effective heartworm disease treatment plan.
Treating Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Heartworm treatment in dogs involves several steps. The process can take several months, but it is necessary to eliminate all life stages of the parasite.
Restricting Activity
One of the most important things you can do immediately is restrict your pet’s activity. Physical exertion increases the risk of complications because it puts strain on a heart already under attack by worms. Even everyday activities like running or rough play can be dangerous. In more severe cases, complete crate rest may be recommended during treatment.
Stabilizing the Pet (If Needed)
If your pet is showing advanced symptoms—such as coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or heart failure—your vet may recommend stabilization before beginning treatment. This part of a heartworm care plan can include anti-inflammatory or heart medications and specialized care to reduce inflammation and improve breathing.
Heartworm Treatment
Treatment for heartworm disease in dogs typically involves:
- Pre-treatment medication to weaken the worms and reduce inflammation.
- Injections to kill adult heartworms. These injections are given deep into the back muscles over the course of several visits.
- Strict activity restriction during and after injections to avoid life-threatening complications from dying worms.
Treating Heartworm Disease in Cats
There is currently no approved treatment that kills adult heartworms in cats. Management typically focuses on reducing inflammation and supportive care for respiratory symptoms. In rare cases, surgery may be considered for severe infections in cats, but preventing heartworm disease in the first place remains the safest route.
Why Heartworm Prevention Is Always the Best Medicine
While treatment is possible, the truth is that heartworm disease is far easier, safer, and more affordable to prevent than to treat. Monthly preventatives—whether oral, topical, or injectable—are meant to stop heartworm larvae from ever maturing in your pet’s system. When given consistently and backed by annual heartworm testing, these medications are incredibly effective.
Treatment involves months of injections, restricted activity, follow-up testing, and risk of complications—not to mention high costs. Prevention requires a simple routine dose and regular vet checkups—and saves your pet from pain, stress, and potential long-term damage.
There Is Hope After a Heartworm Diagnosis
While heartworm treatment is complex, it is often successful when caught early and managed properly. A diagnosis doesn’t mean it’s the end—it means it’s time to act. With your commitment and expert care from Homeward Bound Veterinary Services, your pet has a strong chance of recovery and a healthy future. If your pet is due for annual heartworm testing in Bel Air, MD or surrounding communities, book an appointment today.