Mention this offer to claim your pet's free first exam and get started with care designed around your pet.

Protect your pet this Memorial Day with firework safety tips from veterinarians. Learn how to reduce anxiety, prevent escapes, and keep pets safe during celebrations.

Firework Safety for Pets on Memorial Day: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Calm

Learn the early signs of cancer in pets and why early detection matters. Discover common symptoms, diagnostic testing, and treatment options for dogs and cats.

Pet Cancer Awareness: Recognizing the Signs and Why Early Detection Matters

Build a complete first aid kit with veterinarian-recommended essentials. Download UVC's free checklist and stay prepared at home or on the go.

Pet First Aid Kit Essentials: How to Prepare for Pet Emergencies

Learn how heartworm disease spreads, the symptoms to watch for, and how year-round prevention can protect dogs and cats from this serious parasite.

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Mon May 12 2025 19:49:47 GMT+0530 (India Standard Time)

St. Matthews Animal Clinic

about-us-page

our-history-section

our-teams-section

We are dedicated to providing the highest level of care along with friendly, compassionate service.

why-us-section

app-download-page

blogs-page

blogs-section

book-appointment-page

book-appointment-section

career-page

careers-section

contact-us

forms-page

form-section

get-in-touch

landing-page

contact-us-section

cta-bar

emergency-branches

faq-section

footer-section

hero-section

otto-widget-section

our-services-section

testimonials-section

vetstoria-widget-section

Financial Aid:

Obedience:

Local Dog Parks:

Boarding Kennels In Our Area:

Microchipping:

Doggie Daycare in our Area:

Adoptions:

General Information:

links-and-resources

news-page

our-history-page

payment-info-page

payment-information-section

payment-section-3

services-page

service-page-section

team-page

teams-page-section

video-page

pixel_google

pixel_facebook

Header Cookie Consent - 671f33c5d8e9f7c6b5f082c9

cookie_settings_1750955345987

<button id="ot-sdk-btn" class="ot-sdk-show-settings">Cookie Settings</button>
 

cookie_list_1750955346272

cookie_microsoft

<h1 dir="auto">Heartworm Awareness Month: Protecting Your Pet from a Preventable Disease</h1><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">April is Heartworm Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most serious yet preventable diseases affecting pets. Heartworm disease can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, and in advanced cases it can become life-threatening. The good news is that with consistent prevention and routine veterinary care, heartworm disease is largely avoidable.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Understanding how heartworms spread and how prevention works can help keep your pet safe all year long.</p><h2 dir="auto">What Is Heartworm Disease?</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels of infected animals, where they can cause inflammation, lung disease, and heart failure if left untreated.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">The disease spreads through mosquito bites. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog or cat, the larvae enter the bloodstream and begin developing into adult worms. Over several months, the worms grow and eventually settle in the heart and pulmonary arteries.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Because only one infected mosquito is needed to transmit the disease, any pet that spends time outdoors can be at risk.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Heartworm Disease Is So Serious</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Heartworms can grow up to a foot long and live inside the blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs. As the worms multiply, they interfere with circulation and place increasing strain on the heart.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Early infections often show few obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, pets may develop signs such as coughing, fatigue, difficulty exercising, or breathing problems. In severe cases, heartworm disease can lead to heart failure or permanent damage to the lungs and other organs.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Treatment is possible but can be complex and carries risks. Preventing the disease in the first place is far safer and easier for pets and their families.</p><h2 dir="auto">Why Prevention Matters</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of infections continues to rise in many regions. Experts estimate that more than one million dogs in the United States are infected each year.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Even indoor pets can be exposed since mosquitoes can enter homes through open doors or windows. This is why veterinarians recommend consistent prevention for both dogs and cats.</p><h2 dir="auto">How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworms</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Preventing heartworm disease is simple and highly effective when done consistently. Most prevention plans include a combination of medication and routine testing.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Veterinary-approved heartworm preventives are available as monthly chewable tablets, topical medications, or long-acting injections. When given on schedule, these medications stop heartworm larvae before they can mature into adult worms.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Regular testing is also important. Dogs are typically tested annually for heartworm infection, even if they are on preventive medication, to ensure that protection remains effective.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Reducing mosquito exposure can also help. Eliminating standing water around the home, keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity, and maintaining preventive medication all contribute to lower risk.</p><h2 dir="auto">A Simple Step That Protects Long Term Health</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Heartworm prevention is one of the easiest ways to protect your pet’s health. Compared to the complexity and risks of treating heartworm disease, preventive care is safer, more affordable, and far less stressful for pets and their families.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">During Heartworm Awareness Month, it is a great time to review your pet’s prevention plan and ensure they are protected year-round.</p><h2 dir="auto">Talk to Your Veterinary Team</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">If you are unsure whether your pet is up to date on heartworm prevention or testing, your veterinary team can help. A simple conversation during your pet’s wellness visit can ensure they are receiving the protection they need.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Preventive care plays a powerful role in keeping pets healthy. By staying consistent with heartworm prevention, you can help protect your dog or cat from a serious but preventable disease.</p><p dir="auto"></p>

gtm_67f290d153dc857452f08278

Please fill out the information below to get started.

stmatthewsclinic

Consult Online

Online Store

Pet Portal

Forms

Download App

Additional Services

General Services

Speciality Services

Compassionate and quality care for your pet.

Same-day appointments and walk-ins available.

Served over 10,000 fur babies and their happy families.

This accreditation is important as it exemplifies the standard of veterinary excellence.

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

CareCredit

Trupanion Pet Insurance

ScratchPay

Mr. Dog Training

Tree Frog Farm Personalized – Dog Training and Agility

Brunswick Maine Dog Park

Great Island Kennel

Pet Sitters of Maine

The Brown Dog Inn

Camp Bow Wow

Falmouth Happy Cats

Home Again

The Blue Dog Daycare

Happy Paws Unleashed

Midcoast Humane

Passion for Pets Rescue Organization

Coastal Maine Great Dane Rescue

VeterinaryPartner.com

The Indoor Pet Initiative

Feline Fix by Five

Traveling Out of the Country with Your Pet

AAHA Pet Health Library

Pet Poison Control

Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

Wellness Exams

Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

Dental Care

Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

Parasite Prevention

Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

Vaccinations

Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

Pet Surgeries

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

Diagnostic Testing

When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


Sheet title

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Recent Blogs

Related Blogs

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

APRIL is Heartworm Awareness Month

FAQs

Sheet title

Heartworm Awareness Month: How to Protect Your Pet from Heartworm Disease

Recent Blogs

Firework Safety for Pets on Memorial Day: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Calm

Pet Cancer Awareness: Recognizing the Signs and Why Early Detection Matters

Pet First Aid Kit Essentials: How to Prepare for Pet Emergencies

Related Blogs

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

APRIL is Heartworm Awareness Month

FAQs

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

What if I have questions about my pet's medications?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?