Why Mosquitoes Are a Bigger Threat Than You Think: Heartworm 101 for NM Pets

As mosquito season heats up, so do the risks for your furry friends. While these buzzing pests might seem like a minor annoyance, they can carry a dangerous and potentially deadly threat to pets: heartworm disease. Even scarier? Heartworm doesn’t show obvious symptoms until it’s advanced, making prevention absolutely critical. Many people think of heartworm as primarily a dog issue, but cats are at risk too. One bite from an infected mosquito can start a cascade of health problems for your pet, especially in areas like New Mexico, where the mosquito population spikes during warm months. The good news? Heartworm is preventable with the right care. Read on to learn why heartworm disease matters, the risks for NM pets, and how you can protect your beloved companion.

What Is Heartworm?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels of infected animals. It starts its lifecycle in mosquitoes, which pick up heartworm microfilariae (baby worms) when they bite an already-infected animal. The mosquito then transfers the larvae to the next host through a bite, allowing the parasites to mature inside the new animal. Over time, these worms grow into adults that can stretch up to a foot long, clogging the heart and pulmonary arteries. This leads to reduced blood flow, organ damage, and severe health complications. Heartworm disease is life-threatening if left untreated, but the parasite’s lifecycle takes months to reach its full impact. This makes proactive testing and prevention vital.

Why NM Pets Are at Risk

Mosquito activity in New Mexico increases in late spring and continues through the summer. While our dry climate might seem less mosquito-friendly, these insects thrive near water sources such as rivers, stagnant puddles, and irrigation systems. Mosquitoes can even find breeding spots in urban areas like Albuquerque, making both city and rural pets vulnerable. Another commonly misunderstood risk is that indoor pets aren’t immune. Mosquitoes are resourceful and can easily find their way inside your home. One bite is all it takes to transmit heartworm, whether your pet spends hours lounging outside or prefers to stay on the couch.

Signs & Symptoms

In the early stages, heartworm infection often presents no symptoms, keeping the disease hidden from view. Over time, symptoms begin to emerge, and they vary between dogs and cats. For dogs:

• Mild cases may cause coughing, lethargy, or decreased appetite.
• Advanced infections can lead to fatigue after light activity, a swollen belly due to fluid buildup, and even heart failure. For cats:
• Symptoms may mimic asthma, including coughing or difficulty breathing.
• Sudden vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss can also signal infection.
• Tragically, the first sign of heartworm in cats can sometimes be sudden collapse or death. Since symptoms often appear too late to reverse the damage, regular testing is the best way to detect heartworm early.

Testing & Prevention

Heartworm testing is simple, requiring only a small blood sample to detect the presence of the parasite. Dogs should be tested annually, even if they’re already on preventative medication. For cats, testing is also important since prevention remains their best defense. Preventative measures are highly effective and include monthly chewable tablets, topical treatments, or long-acting injections. These medications stop heartworm larvae before they can grow into dangerous adults. Think of prevention as a first line of defense that keeps your pet healthy and heartworm-free year-round.

Treatment Costs vs. Prevention Costs

While prevention costs are minimal, treating heartworm disease can be a different story. Preventatives typically range in the hundreds per year for most pets. Compare that to treatment costs, which can easily reach $1,000-$3,000 or more for dogs. Cats don’t even have an approved treatment for adult heartworms, meaning prevention is truly their only option. Prevention not only saves money but also spares your pet from the pain and stress of dealing with a serious illness.

The Bottom Line

Heartworm disease is a silent yet dangerous threat to pets in New Mexico, making annual testing and prevention crucial during mosquito season. The good news is that heartworm can be completely avoided with proper care and vigilance. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your pet now by scheduling a heartworm screening and starting a preventative plan today. Call our team at TLC Pet Hospital at 505-275-3647 or book your appointment online. Together, we can keep your pets healthy and heartworm-free all year long.