Each April, we recognize National Heartworm Awareness Month as an opportunity to educate and empower pet owners. At Center Veterinary Clinic in Novato, CA, we want every pet parent to feel confident and informed—especially when facing something as serious as a heartworm diagnosis.
Heartworm disease can affect both dogs and cats, and a positive test result can be overwhelming. But with proper care, treatment, and follow-up, many pets go on to live healthy, happy lives. Here’s what you need to know about what happens after a heartworm-positive diagnosis.
Step One: Confirming the Diagnosis
When a dog or cat tests positive for heartworms, we don’t rush into treatment. First, we perform a series of follow-up diagnostics to understand the infection’s severity and assess your pet’s overall health. These tests often include:
- Microfilaria testing to check for larvae in the bloodstream
- Bloodwork to evaluate how the kidneys and liver are functioning
- X-rays or ultrasound to examine the heart and lungs
Once we’ve completed a full diagnostic picture, we can develop a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs.
Why Rest and Restricted Activity Matter
One of the most important aspects of managing heartworm disease is limiting your pet’s activity. This is because movement increases blood flow, which can cause complications as the worms begin to die off during treatment.
- Dogs may need to remain indoors and limit all walks and playtime
- Cats should be kept calm in a quiet environment
- Crate rest may be necessary in more advanced cases
Though this part of the process can be difficult for active pets and their owners, it’s vital to a safe recovery.
Heartworm Treatment for Dogs
- Treatment for dogs with heartworm disease is a structured, multi-step process that typically includes:
- Pre-treatment medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
- Heartworm preventatives to stop additional infections and eliminate early-stage worms
- A series of injections to kill adult heartworms
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up testing to track progress and recovery
Dogs will also remain on heartworm prevention for life after treatment is complete, as re-infection is possible.
Heartworm in Cats: A Different Approach
Cats with heartworm disease require a more cautious and supportive treatment approach. There is currently no approved medication to kill adult heartworms in cats. Instead, our goal is to reduce symptoms and inflammation:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease breathing issues
- Supportive care and regular monitoring
- Oxygen therapy in rare cases of respiratory distress
Heartworm prevention is especially important for cats, as even a small number of heartworms can be dangerous or fatal.
Prevention is Key in Novato and Beyond
Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes, which are active in Novato and surrounding Northern California communities. Because even indoor pets can be exposed, we recommend:
- Annual heartworm testing for all dogs and at-risk cats
- Monthly heartworm prevention year-round
- Regular wellness exams to monitor overall health
At Center Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help you protect your pets from heartworm disease before it becomes a problem. Call us today to schedule your pet’s screening or refill their prevention medication. Prevention is simple, safe, and effective—and it could save your pet’s life.
