Finding out your pet has tested positive for heartworm can be overwhelming. You may feel shocked, scared, and unsure of what comes next. While heartworm disease is serious, it’s not always an end-of-life sentence, especially if caught early. For National Heartworm Awareness Month, Mariemont Veterinary Clinic is walking pet owners through every stage of heartworm treatment with compassion and clarity.

Understanding a Positive Heartworm Diagnosis

A heartworm diagnosis typically begins with a positive antigen test, which detects proteins released by adult female worms. To confirm infection and assess its severity, your vet may recommend additional diagnostics such as:

• Blood tests to evaluate liver and kidney function.
• X-rays to check the condition of the lungs and heart.
• Ultrasound to visualize the presence and impact of heartworms.
• Microfilaria testing to detect baby worms in the bloodstream.

This comprehensive picture allows your vet to determine the best and safest treatment protocol based on your pet’s condition and infection level.

How is Heartworm Treated in Dogs?

After diagnosis, the first order of business is to limit your pet’s physical activity—and that means more than just skipping the dog park. Even moderate exercise increases the risk of serious complications as heartworms begin to die off and break apart during treatment. Dogs may need to be leashed at all times, even in the yard. In more advanced cases, crate rest may be advised for weeks or months. Exercise restriction continues throughout treatment and recovery.

The typical canine heartworm treatment includes:

• Pre-treatment antibiotics to weaken the heartworms and prevent secondary infections.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
  
  
• Adulticide injections administered over a period of weeks to kill adult worms.

Your vet may also prescribe preventative medication during this time to stop new infections and kill any lingering larvae. Each case is unique, and treatment will be adapted based on your dog’s age, weight, and heartworm burden.

What is the Heartworm Treatment for Cats?

Unfortunately, there is no approved drug to kill adult heartworms in cats once they have been infected. When cats do test positive for heartworm disease, treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms like coughing, breathing difficulties, and inflammation alongside strict indoor rest. Surgical removal of worms may be considered in rare, high-risk cases, but this surgery can be difficult and risky to perform.

Why Heartworm Prevention Is Still the Best Approach

While heartworm treatment can be effective, it’s no easy process. From long periods of restricted activity to the emotional toll of watching your pet go through injections and recovery, treatment can be overwhelming. Heartworm prevention remains the safest and most compassionate route.

Heartworm preventatives work by eliminating immature larvae before they can grow into adult worms. Given monthly (or every 6 or 12 months for canine injectable options), these medications are easy to administer and highly effective when used consistently. Annual heartworm testing gives you confidence that your pet is still heartworm-free—and confirms that your pet’s prevention plan is doing its job.

There Is Hope After Heartworm

A positive heartworm diagnosis is serious, but it’s not without options. With early detection, appropriate treatment, and diligent follow-up, your pet can live a full, happy life. Mariemont Veterinary Clinic can walk you through a diagnosis and make sure your pet is never without support. If you’re in the Cincinnati, Middletown, or Newport area and suspect that your pet has a heartworm infection, don’t delay. Book an appointment to give your cat or dog the heartworm care that they deserve.