No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.

Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.

It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.

In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.

Dogs that spend more time outdoors and are more active, such as those going on hikes and walks, are at a higher risk of developing heartworm disease due to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes. However, even indoor dogs can be at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes and bite dogs there.

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it picks up microfilariae (baby heartworms). These microfilariae develop into infective larvae within 10-14 days. The mosquito then bites another animal, depositing the larvae into the new host. In regions with a high mosquito population, such as Mississippi, heartworm transmission occurs year-round.

Heartworms in dogs are caused by foot-long worms that primarily live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These worms can cause heart failure, lung disease, or other serious health issues in dogs.

Wellness exams help establish a baseline for your cat's health and can reveal any new changes or issues that may require follow-up treatments. If your cat is found to be healthy, this information sets a foundation for future exams. However, if the exam reveals a new condition, such as a heart murmur or growth, early detection and treatment can help prevent more serious health problems from developing. Wellness exams are essential for maintaining your cat's overall well-being and identifying potential issues before they become severe.

Cat wellness exams typically take about 30 minutes. This allows time for the veterinarian to address your questions, perform a complete exam on your cat, and collect any necessary samples or run diagnostics. It also provides time for treatments if needed.

During your cat's wellness exam, ask about any major concerns or changes you've noticed since their last visit, such as changes in behavior, eating habits, drinking habits, or litter box use. If there are any changes in how your cat interacts with you or other pets in the home, mention this as well. Discussing these topics with your veterinarian will help them better understand and address your cat's health needs.