What are heartworms in pets?
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are not found in the UK since they are spread by infected mosquitoes. In other parts of the world though, including Europe, Africa, Asia, the USA and Australia, heartworm can cause serious disease - worms live in the heart and can grow up to 30cms in length. If you are taking your pet abroad, speak to your vet about this parasite, as preventative products are available.
Heartworms Factoid!
Although both cats and dogs can be infected with heartworm, dogs are most susceptible.
A dog’s insides provide an ideal environment for the transmitted worms to mature into adults, mate, and produce offspring...
Dogs and cats at risk of heartworms include:
The symptoms of heartworms
Symptoms of heartworm can take months to develop but may include:
- cough
- loss of appetite
- difficulty breathing
- tiring easily
- heart failure
- cats may also experience vomiting or sudden death
Lifecycle and stages of heartworms
Infection stages: it can take about 6-7 months in dogs, and around 8 months in cats from the time your pet is bitten by an infected mosquito to the time when heartworm starts to damage the pet’s health. That’s a long time after the holiday ends ... If you do suspect your pet has been at risk from heartworm, act promptly as your vet can perform a number of diagnostic tests, with a view to surgery or drug therapy, to try to save them.
If you have rescued or imported a pet from a heartworm area you may not see signs of heartworm for several months after they arrive in the UK. Depending on the test, it may not show a positive for many months after the dog or cat has been infected.
Risks of heartworms to humans
Although humans can contract heartworm, we are not ideal hosts, so the risk of developing serious illness as a result of exposure to this parasite is low.
Spread of heartworms in Europe
Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes so pets are more at risk in sunnier climes such as southern Europe – notably Portugal, Spain, South of France, Greece, Croatia, Bosnia, Czech Republic and Turkey:
How to get rid of heartworms in pets
Only a prescription wormer from a vet can be used to prevent or treat heartworm so it is important to talk to your vet before you travel or if you are planning on getting a pet from abroad.
Find out more about other worms in pets
This information was provided to you by Elanco Animal Health makers of Milbemax™.
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