Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. A dog does not need to live outdoors to be exposed; a single infected mosquito can enter a screened lanai or home.
Why prevention matters
Early heartworm disease may cause no obvious symptoms. As infection progresses, dogs may develop coughing, reduced stamina, weight loss, breathing difficulty or heart failure. Treatment is lengthy, restrictive and carries risk, while consistent prevention is far simpler.
Why routine testing still matters
No prevention plan is perfect. Doses may be late, medication may be spit out, vomiting may interfere with absorption, or an injection may become overdue. Routine testing helps identify infection before advanced signs appear and allows Dr. Kim to recommend prevention safely.
What about cats?
Cats can also develop heartworm-associated disease, although diagnosis and prevention differ from dogs. Indoor cats are not automatically risk-free. Ask which parasite plan fits your cat’s lifestyle and medical history.
A practical Fort Myers plan
- Give or schedule prevention on time throughout the year
- Keep routine testing current
- Discuss flea, tick and intestinal-parasite coverage too
- Order approved refills before the last dose is used