Heartworm Prevention and Treatment in Manhattan
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition, but it is also highly preventable. At Westside Veterinary Center in New York, NY , we help protect your pet from heartworms through year-round prevention and provide treatment when needed, all from our animal hospital on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Understanding Heartworm Disease
Heartworms are parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside your pet, the worms grow and multiply in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels, causing lasting damage over time. Because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, many pets are seriously affected before their owners notice a problem. Early signs can include coughing, fatigue, reduced appetite, and weight loss, but prevention is always safer and more effective than treatment.
The good news is that heartworm disease is easy to prevent with regular medication. Our team can recommend a prevention plan tailored to your pet, along with routine testing to ensure they remain heartworm-free. If your pet is diagnosed with heartworms, we’ll guide you through a safe, carefully managed treatment plan. Heartworm care is an important part of overall parasite prevention, and works alongside our wellness exams and in-house laboratory testing. To protect your pet, please contact us today at (212) 580-1800.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
How do pets get heartworms?
Pets get heartworms from the bite of an infected mosquito. Once transmitted, the worms grow and multiply inside the body, causing progressive damage over time.
What are the signs of heartworm disease?
Early stages often show no symptoms. As the disease progresses, signs can include coughing, fatigue, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Because symptoms appear late, prevention and testing are essential.
How can I prevent heartworm disease?
Heartworm disease is easily prevented with regular medication. Our team can recommend a year-round prevention plan tailored to your pet, along with routine testing to keep them protected.
Is heartworm treatment safe?
Heartworm treatment is possible but can be complex and is safest when carefully managed by your veterinary team. This is why prevention is always the preferred approach.
How often should my pet be tested for heartworms?
We generally recommend annual heartworm testing, even for pets on prevention, to ensure they remain heartworm-free. Our team can advise on the right testing schedule for your pet.
How do I start heartworm prevention for my pet?
You can start a prevention plan by calling our team at (212) 580-1800 or requesting an appointment through our website.