Heartworm disease is a word no Lakeland pet owner wants to hear, but with our warm, humid Florida climate, it’s a real threat to both dogs and cats all year long. Even during months that feel cooler, such as February, the risk never truly disappears in our region. At Pet Care On Highland, located right here at 222 W Highland Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813, our veterinary team often answers questions about how to keep pets safe from this potentially devastating disease. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what heartworm disease is, why it’s such a concern in Lakeland and surrounding communities, the signs every pet owner should know, and—most importantly—how you can keep your furry family member protected year-round.
We’ll also share when to start your pet’s heartworm prevention, how to recognize the early warning signs, and what to do if you’re ever concerned about your pet’s health. Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, staying informed and proactive can make all the difference. Our goal at Pet Care On Highland is to be your trusted partner in your pet’s wellness journey, offering comprehensive health and wellness care as well as guidance on preventive medicine. Let’s get started with everything you need to know about heartworm prevention in Lakeland.
Lakeland’s climate is a paradise for mosquitoes, and unfortunately, mosquitoes are the only way heartworms are transmitted to dogs and cats. Many pet owners assume that heartworm is just a worry during the summer months, but in Polk County, active mosquitoes and the risk of transmission can occur even in the winter. This means that pets in our area are at risk virtually every month of the year.
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which is carried and transferred by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites your pet, microscopic larvae enter the bloodstream. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms that settle in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, leading to serious and sometimes fatal health problems.
While dogs are considered the natural host for heartworms, cats can also be affected. In dogs, heartworm disease can progress quietly, with signs emerging only after significant internal damage has occurred. Cats may show subtle or sudden symptoms, sometimes leading to acute health crises. Recognizing that your pet is at risk—regardless of their lifestyle or time of year—is the first step in effective prevention.
Understanding the warning signs of heartworm disease can help you catch problems early and seek veterinary care before they become severe. In dogs, signs of heartworm disease often include a persistent cough, reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue after minimal activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some dogs may develop a swollen abdomen due to fluid accumulation or, in advanced cases, sudden collapse due to heart failure.
Cats, on the other hand, can be harder to diagnose. They may display coughing or asthma-like symptoms, vomiting that isn’t related to eating, sudden loss of appetite, or episodes of fainting. In some cases, cats may not show any signs until the disease is advanced or even fatal. Because even a small number of heartworms can cause significant health issues in cats, prevention is especially critical.
If you notice any of these signs or if your pet seems “off,” especially during mosquito season, it’s important to schedule a veterinary evaluation promptly. Early intervention can make a significant difference in your pet’s prognosis and quality of life.
Heartworm disease is found throughout the United States, but Lakeland’s subtropical climate creates a nearly perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive. With frequent rainfall, high humidity, and mild winters, mosquito populations in this region rarely die off, which keeps the risk for heartworm transmission high all year.
Mosquitoes can breed in standing water found in yards, parks, lakes, and even small puddles. Because of this, even indoor pets are not entirely safe; mosquitoes can easily get inside homes through open doors, windows, or on clothing. The misconception that heartworm is only a problem for “outdoor” dogs or cats can leave many cherished companions vulnerable.
Additionally, many pet owners mistakenly believe that skipping a few months of prevention during the winter is harmless. In reality, missing even one dose of heartworm prevention can leave your pet unprotected at the worst possible time. Since heartworm larvae can develop quickly after a single mosquito bite, consistent, year-round prevention is the only reliable defense.
At Pet Care On Highland, our approach to heartworm prevention is tailored to your pet’s individual needs and lifestyle. During your pet’s wellness examination, our veterinarians will discuss the best type of heartworm preventive medication for your dog or cat. Options include monthly oral tablets, topical solutions, and, for dogs, injectable preventives that offer protection for six to twelve months.
All heartworm preventives are prescription medications, which means your pet must have a current negative heartworm test before starting or continuing prevention. This is essential because giving preventive medicine to a pet who is already infected can lead to serious complications. Our veterinary professionals will perform a quick and reliable heartworm test using a small blood sample during your pet’s regular checkup or as part of our health and wellness services.
If your pet is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment options depend on the species and stage of disease. In dogs, treatment involves a series of injections to eliminate adult heartworms, along with supportive care, strict exercise restriction, and follow-up testing. Treatment can be costly, time-consuming, and carries some risk. Unfortunately, there is currently no approved treatment for adult heartworm infection in cats; instead, our focus is on supportive care and managing symptoms. This makes prevention far safer, more effective, and less stressful for both you and your pet.
Our veterinary team is always available to answer your questions, explain your pet’s treatment plan, and help you navigate the process. We also offer convenient access to prescription preventives through our clinic and online pharmacy, making it easy to stay on track with monthly doses.
Protecting your pet from heartworms starts with a partnership between you and your veterinarian. The most important step is administering a veterinarian-recommended heartworm preventive every month, without skipping doses. Marking your calendar or setting reminders on your phone can help you stay consistent.
In addition to medication, minimizing your pet’s exposure to mosquitoes can further reduce risk. Keeping pets indoors during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn), using screens on windows and doors, and eliminating standing water around your property are all practical steps. Regular yard maintenance and prompt disposal of water-holding containers can help limit mosquito breeding near your home.
Annual heartworm testing is another critical component of prevention. Even with perfect use of preventives, rare failures can occur; yearly testing ensures any infection is caught early, when it’s most treatable. Our veterinarians will recommend a testing schedule based on your pet’s age and medical history.
Education is also powerful. By understanding how heartworm disease is transmitted and what signs to watch for, you can act quickly if you’re ever concerned about your pet’s health. Our veterinary professionals are always here to provide guidance, support, and up-to-date advice tailored to Lakeland’s unique climate challenges.
Knowing when to involve your veterinarian is key to keeping your pet safe. Schedule a heartworm test before starting prevention if your pet is new to your home, has missed doses, or you’re unsure of their preventive history. Annual testing is recommended for all dogs, and for cats, our veterinarians can discuss whether testing is appropriate based on their risk level.
If your pet begins to show any signs of illness—such as coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or sudden weight loss—do not wait to seek veterinary attention. Early symptoms can be subtle, but prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential for the best outcome. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, even outside of routine wellness visits, our urgent care and sick visit services are available to provide timely, compassionate care.
Always remember that preventing heartworm disease is far less costly and risky than treating an established infection. When in doubt, reach out to our veterinary team for advice on next steps.
Some pet owners may wonder why prevention needs to be given every month when mosquitoes seem less active in cooler weather. In Lakeland, however, unpredictable weather patterns can lead to mosquito activity even in the winter. Skipping or delaying prevention leaves your pet vulnerable to infection, and it only takes a single bite to start the disease process.
Year-round prevention is also important because it maintains a protective level of medication in your pet’s system. This continuous coverage ensures that any larvae introduced by a mosquito bite are eliminated before they have a chance to mature and cause harm. Consistent prevention, paired with annual testing, is the gold standard recommended by the American Heartworm Society and local veterinarians alike. For more information about heartworm disease and prevention guidelines, you can visit trusted resources like American Heartworm Society and CDC Heartworm Information.
At Pet Care On Highland, our commitment is to help you keep your pets healthy, happy, and heartworm-free. Our experienced veterinary team provides personalized care and guidance for every pet, whether you live in Lakeland or one of the surrounding communities. From routine wellness exams to urgent concerns, we’re here to answer your questions and design a preventive plan that fits your lifestyle.
If you’re searching for a veterinarian near me who understands the unique risks of heartworm disease in Central Florida, look no further than Pet Care On Highland. We encourage you to schedule an appointment for a heartworm test, discuss the best prevention options, or address any concerns about your pet’s health. Our team of veterinarians is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
To book your pet’s visit or learn more about heartworm prevention, call us at (863) 937-7914 or stop by our convenient location at 222 W Highland Dr, Lakeland, FL 33813. Let’s work together to ensure your beloved companion enjoys a long, healthy life—protected from heartworms and the many preventable risks found in our Florida environment.
The information in this blog is intended for general educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your pet.
