As our pets grow older, their care needs begin to shift. They may move a little slower or visit the vet more frequently, but one thing that shouldn’t change is keeping up with heartworm prevention. At Bay Animal Hospital, we know that pet owners often have questions about what older cats and dogs need and what they can skip. Does your senior pet still need heartworm medication?
Older Pets Are Still at Risk of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm disease doesn’t discriminate by age. Senior dogs and cats are just as likely to be bitten by mosquitoes carrying heartworm as younger pets, and their aging bodies may have a harder time coping with the effects of an infection. Older pets often have compromised immune systems, pre-existing conditions like heart disease or lung issues, and slower recovery times if illness occurs. Heartworm prevention remains a top priority throughout their golden years.
Adjusting Heartworm Prevention for Senior Cats and Dogs
While prevention is still needed, the approach can be adapted based on your pet’s health and lifestyle. Your veterinarian will consider factors such as:
– Medication Tolerance: Senior pets may have more sensitive stomachs or skin.
– Organ Function: Liver and kidney health should be assessed before continuing any medications.
– Mobility: If daily tasks like chewing are more difficult, vets may recommend simpler solutions like long-acting heartworm injections for dogs.
– Cognitive Changes: For aging pets who are more anxious or confused, a low-stress delivery method can make a big difference.
Finding a heartworm prevention option that keeps your pet protected without adding stress to their routine is the goal.
Does Your Pet Need a Heartworm Test?
Even with prevention in place all year, annual heartworm testing is non-negotiable for dogs. In some cases, semi-annual testing may be advised for high-risk seniors.
– Detection allows for earlier, safer treatment.
– A heartworm test ensures the medication is working properly.
– Some signs of heartworm infection mimic age-related issues, like difficulty with exercise.
– A test provides peace of mind during wellness checkups.
Early detection can dramatically improve outcomes, especially in dogs with existing health conditions. Should your older canine test positive, treatment for heartworm requires extra caution. If your senior dog tests positive for heartworm disease, your vet will evaluate the extent of the infection along with heart and lung function. With proper care, many senior pets can recover—but the process may take longer, and there’s a higher risk of complications. Heartworm prevention remains the far better choice.
Feline heartworm testing is more difficult in a lot of cases, so speak with your veterinarian for their recommendations. There is currently no heartworm treatment available for cats. The focus is on managing symptoms.
Protect Your Senior Pet with Heartworm Prevention in Townsend, DE
Your senior pet has stood by you for years—don’t let their golden years be threatened by a preventable disease. Heartworm prevention is just as important now as it was when they were younger. Bay Animal Hospital can help you keep your pet’s heartworm routine simple, safe, and effective. Is your senior pet in Townsend, Middletown, and Smyrna due for their wellness visit or heartworm test? Schedule an appointment and review their heartworm prevention plan.
