HONOLULU (HI Now) - At VCA Waipahu, your pet’s health is our top priority—and one condition we always work to prevent is heartworm disease. This potentially serious illness is especially common in Hawaiʻi because of our warm, mosquito-friendly climate. But with the right information and care, it’s completely preventable.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm that lives in the heart, lungs, and nearby blood vessels of infected animals, most commonly dogs. It can also affect cats and ferrets. The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an animal carrying heartworms, it picks up tiny larvae, which it then transmits to the next animal it bites. Over time—sometimes within just a few months—those larvae grow into long, adult worms that can cause serious damage to a pet’s heart and lungs.
Early signs of heartworm disease can be easy to miss. Some pets show no symptoms at all in the beginning. But as the disease progresses, you might notice a persistent cough, fatigue after mild activity, weight loss, or a decrease in appetite. In more advanced cases, pets can develop a swollen belly due to fluid buildup. Cats may show different signs like vomiting, coughing, or even sudden collapse. If your pet ever tests positive for heartworms, it’s important to act quickly. Treatment typically involves a series of injections to eliminate the adult worms and medications to reduce inflammation and prevent complications. Your pet will need lots of rest and follow-up care during the recovery process, but many dogs go on to recover well with early treatment.
One common question we hear is: “Are heartworms the same as the worms I sometimes see in my dog’s poop?” The short answer is no. Heartworms live in the bloodstream and the heart—not the intestines—so you won’t see them in your pet’s stool. The worms you see in poop (and yes, it’s totally fine to say “poop” when talking to your vet!) are usually intestinal parasites like roundworms or tapeworms, which require different treatment. If you do see something unusual, it’s always worth checking in with your vet so we can identify the problem and treat it correctly.
The best way to protect your pet from heartworm disease is through prevention. Monthly preventatives—available as pills, topical treatments, or injections—are safe, effective, and often protect against other parasites like fleas and intestinal worms. Even if your pet is on prevention, we recommend an annual heartworm test just to be safe.
If you have questions or want to make sure your pet is protected, we’re here to help. For more information, visit vcahospitals.com/waipahu.
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