Heartworm Awareness Month

Protect your pet from heartworms year-round with our April awareness guide for Luzerne County dogs and cats

Heartworm Awareness Month in April is the perfect time for local pet parents to learn why year-round prevention is one of the most important health choices they can make for their dogs and cats here in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Even though heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, and those are most active in warmer months, the risk does not disappear completely when the weather cools, which is why veterinarians and the American Heartworm Society recommend testing and prevention all year long.​

What is heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once the larvae enter your pet’s body, they grow into long worms that live in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels, where they can cause lung disease, heart failure, and lasting damage to the circulatory system.​

Dogs are the natural host for heartworms, so they can carry large numbers of worms for years if untreated, but cats and some other animals can also be infected, sometimes with severe or even sudden symptoms. Because heartworms can live for several years inside a dog, each mosquito season can add more worms to an existing infection, making the disease progressively worse over time.​

Why prevention is better than treatment

Heartworm disease is extremely serious, but almost completely preventable with consistent medication. Treatment for dogs, when possible, usually involves months of strict rest, multiple veterinary visits, and a series of powerful injections to kill the adult worms, and it can be expensive and hard on the pet’s body.​

For cats, there is currently no FDA-approved medication that eliminates adult heartworms, so care focuses on managing symptoms and complications, which makes prevention especially critical for feline family members. Compared to the cost, stress, and risks of treatment, monthly preventive products are relatively affordable and far safer for your pet.​

Why year-round prevention matters in Pennsylvania

It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito to transmit heartworm. Additionally, heartworm has been reported in all 50 states, including regions that were once considered low risk. In Pennsylvania, mosquitoes can appear during unexpected warm spells in fall, winter, or early spring, and some can survive in sheltered or indoor spaces, so stopping prevention during “colder months” can leave gaps in protection.​

Because infected mosquitoes can get inside homes, apartments, and other buildings, strictly indoor pets are still at risk. For families in Luzerne County who enjoy local walks, parks, and outdoor activities, heartworm prevention is an important layer of protection alongside flea, tick, and other parasite control.​

How heartworm prevention works

Most heartworm preventives are given monthly as a chewable tablet, topical liquid, or injection that protects for an extended period. Additionally, many products also help control other parasites like roundworms, hookworms, or fleas. These medications work by killing immature heartworm larvae that may have been transmitted in the previous weeks, so skipping or delaying a dose can allow those larvae to mature into adult worms that are much harder to eliminate.​

Veterinarians also recommend annual heartworm testing even for pets on prevention, both to catch any “breakthrough” infections early and to confirm it is safe to continue certain medications. Your vet can help you choose the right preventive based on your pet’s age, weight, health conditions, and lifestyle, including how often they travel or spend time outdoors.​

Signs of heartworm disease to watch for

Heartworm disease often progresses silently at first, which is one reason yearly testing is so important. In dogs, early signs may include a mild cough, tiring quickly on walks, or a decrease in activity, while more advanced disease can cause weight loss, difficulty breathing, a swollen belly from fluid buildup, or episodes of collapse.​

Cats may show coughing, breathing problems, vomiting, or sudden collapse, and sometimes there are few or no warning signs before a serious event. Any of these symptoms should be treated as urgent and evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if your pet is not on consistent heartworm prevention.​

How ParaMount Pet Care supports prevention

As a pet sitting and dog walking company serving Luzerne County, ParaMount Pet Care sees firsthand how much local pets benefit from regular exercise, routine care, and strong partnerships between owners and veterinarians. Keeping your dog or cat on year-round heartworm prevention is one of the simplest ways to protect them so they can keep enjoying their daily walks, playtime, and snuggle sessions.

During Heartworm Awareness Month, consider setting calendar reminders for monthly doses, scheduling your pet’s annual heartworm test, and confirming your prevention plan with your veterinarian so your pet stays protected in every season.

Hire The Pet Professionals Today!

Looking for a trusted pet sitter? Look no further than ParaMount Pet Care, the top pet care team in Luzerne County! Our sitters are fully insured, bonded, and expertly trained in pet CPR and first aid. Additionally, every sitter is dedicated to giving your pets the love and care they deserve.

We offer a full range of services including in-home pet sitting, regular dog walking, overnight stays, and much more. Explore all our services by clicking here. Ready to get started? Become a client by clicking here or call us at 570-814-1037.

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