Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats. It is caused by a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. When an infected mosquito bites a pet, it transfers immature heartworm larvae into the bloodstream. Over time, these larvae grow into adult worms that reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of the affected animal.

Symptoms of heartworm disease in pets may vary depending on the severity of the infection. Early-stage infections may exhibit subtle signs such as coughing, fatigue, and decreased appetite. As the disease progresses, pets may experience difficulty breathing, weight loss, and a swollen abdomen. In advanced cases, heartworm disease can cause heart failure and even death. However, it's important to note that some pets may show no symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.
  Preventing heartworm disease is crucial for the well-being of pets. The most effective preventive measure is the regular administration of heartworm preventatives prescribed by veterinarians. These preventive medications come in various forms, including monthly chewable tablets, topical applications, or injectables, and they work by killing the immature larvae before they can develop into adult worms. Additionally, minimizing exposure to mosquitoes by keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito activity hours and eliminating standing water breeding grounds can further reduce the risk of infection.

如果寵物被診斷出患有心絲蟲病，治療可能會很複雜，並且可能會因感染的嚴重程度而異。治療通常包括一系列注射以殺死成蟲，並在恢復期間嚴格限制運動。在嚴重的情況下，可能需要額外的藥物來控制並發症並支持寵物的整體健康。需要注意的是，心絲蟲病的治療費用高昂、耗時長，而且可能會帶來一些風險，這就是為什麼預防是對抗這種無形威脅的最佳方法的原因。