Embedded Files
A Single Mosquito Bite is All It Takes
A Single Mosquito Bite is All It Takes
It only takes your pet getting one mosquito bite to infect your dog with heartworm disease. At Pawsitive Care Vet Clinic, we’re raising awareness this April to help pet parents understand the real dangers and the simple steps to prevent them.
What Makes Heartworms So Dangerous?
Heartworms are long, spaghetti-like parasites that take up residence in a pet’s heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels. Over time, these worms grow and multiply, leading to severe damage to the heart and lungs, reduced oxygen flow, and eventual organ failure.
The scariest part? Most pets show no signs in the early stages. By the time symptoms like coughing, fatigue, and weight loss appear, the damage may already be advanced—and in some cases, irreversible. Left untreated, heartworm disease is often fatal, especially for dogs.
For cats, heartworms present differently. Even just a few worms can cause life-threatening respiratory issues, and because treatment is not available for feline heartworm disease, prevention is absolutely critical.
Missouri’s Year-Round Mosquito Season
Many people think heartworms are a “summer” problem. Unfortunately, that’s a myth—especially in Missouri. Our mild winters, sudden warm-ups, and extended rainy seasons allow mosquitoes to survive and remain active for much longer than expected. In fact, heartworm-positive cases are detected here in every month of the year.
That means the risk never truly disappears—and skipping even one month of prevention could leave your pet vulnerable. Missouri consistently ranks above the national average in heartworm incidence, making year-round protection a must for responsible pet ownership.
How to Protect Your Pets
The good news? Heartworm prevention is simple, effective, and affordable. At Pawsitive Care, we offer trusted, veterinarian-approved options for both dogs and cats:
Interceptor® – A monthly chewable for dogs that protects against heartworms as well as hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. Easy to administer and highly effective.
Credelio® Quattro – A convenient all-in-one chew for dogs that fights heartworms and helps guard against fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. Great for active or outdoor pets who need extra protection.
Revolution® for Cats – A once-a-month topical treatment that provides broad-spectrum protection from heartworms, fleas, ear mites, roundworms, and more.
We’ll help you choose the right product based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.
When Should I Start Prevention?
When Should I Start Prevention?
Yesterday. But today is the next best time.
If your pet isn’t already protected year-round, now is the perfect time to start. Heartworm prevention should begin as early as 6–8 weeks of age in puppies and kittens—and continue for life. Skipping even one dose can allow heartworm larvae to develop and mature, putting your pet at serious risk.
Let’s keep your pets safe, healthy, and heartworm-free—every month of the year.
Heartworm disease is serious—but preventable. Let’s keep our pets happy, healthy, and protected together.
📞 Call Pawsitive Care Vet Clinic to get started on prevention today!
(417)-385-1600
Follow Us on Social!
Follow Us on Social!
Page updated
Report abuse