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It only takes one mosquito bite to put your pet at risk for heartworm disease, a potentially fatal condition that damages the heart, lungs, and blood vessels over time. Stockton’s warm summers and irrigated farmland create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, which means heartworm exposure is a year-round concern for local pets.
At Venetian Pet Hospital, we believe preventing heartworm disease is one of the most important things you can do for your pet’s long-term health. Our team works with you to build a simple, affordable prevention plan that fits your pet’s needs and gives you peace of mind every season.
Our dedicated team is here to provide urgent, high-quality care for your pets—because they’re family and deserve immediate attention when it matters most!
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside your pet’s body, larvae travel through the bloodstream and mature into adult worms that can grow up to 12 inches long. These worms lodge in the heart and pulmonary arteries, causing inflammation, organ damage, and eventually heart failure if left untreated.
According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of cases per veterinary clinic has continued to rise in recent years. Dogs are the most common hosts, but cats and ferrets can also become infected. In cats, even a small number of worms can cause serious respiratory symptoms, making prevention just as critical for feline family members.
Heartworm disease often develops silently in its early stages, which is why routine testing matters so much. By the time symptoms appear, significant damage may have already occurred. Watch for the following warning signs in your pet:
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away. Early detection gives your pet the best chance at a successful outcome.
Treating an active heartworm infection is expensive, time-consuming, and carries real risks. The treatment process typically involves months of restricted activity, multiple injections, and close veterinary monitoring. For cats, there is no approved treatment at all, which makes prevention the only reliable option.
We offer oral and topical heartworm preventives that are safe, effective, and easy to administer. Monthly chewable tablets are popular with dog owners because most pets take them willingly as treats. Topical options work well for cats and pets that are picky eaters. Many of these products also protect against intestinal parasites, giving your pet broader coverage with a single dose.
Even pets on year-round prevention should be tested annually. A simple blood test can detect heartworm proteins in just minutes, and catching a breakthrough infection early means faster, less complicated treatment. We make testing easy by incorporating it into your pet’s wellness visit.
Our veterinary team takes a proactive approach to your pet’s health. With tick prevention and flea control services alongside our heartworm prevention plans, we help Stockton families keep their pets protected against the most common parasites in our region. Our doctors, including Dr. Hanh Do and Dr. Pietro Catini, are committed to building lasting relationships with you and your pets.
Heartworm prevention is affordable, straightforward, and could save your pet’s life. Contact Venetian Pet Hospital to schedule a heartworm test and get your pet started on a prevention plan today.
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