Heartworm Truths Every Pet Owner Needs to Hear with Dr. Zoo

💔 Heartworm disease is slow, painful, and entirely preventable. So why are pets still dying from it?

In this essential episode of Muddy Paws and Hairballs, Dr. Zoo shares two real-life cases that hit hard: a young German Shepherd in kidney failure at just two years old after his owners stopped prevention, and a rescue terrier whose heart was invaded by worms—leaving euthanasia as the only humane option.

🐾 Here’s what every pet parent needs to understand: Just one mosquito bite can inject microscopic heartworm larvae into your pet. These larvae quietly develop over six months before they’re even detectable—and by the time that lingering cough appears, the damage is often already done.

Adult heartworms don’t just affect the heart. They send offspring into the bloodstream, damaging lungs, liver, and kidneys. And many early signs—like coughing after drinking water—are easy to overlook.

Dr. Zoo also busts the most common heartworm myths:

• “My pet lives indoors.”
• “We don’t have mosquitoes here.”
• “It’s winter—they’re safe now.”
• “I use natural remedies.”

Spoiler: None of these provide real protection. If a mosquito can get inside your house, it can reach your pet—and no natural product has been proven to prevent heartworm infection.

💸 Prevention is simple and affordable: around $5–$7 a month.
💔 Treatment is complex and expensive: $1,000–$6,000+, multiple medications, painful injections, and strict cage rest for weeks. Even after treatment, many pets live with permanent heart damage.

👉 Whether it’s a monthly chewable, a topical, or an injection, heartworm prevention isn’t optional—it’s critical. Dr. Zoo walks us through what heartworms really do, why prevention matters no matter where you live, and how to protect your pet from suffering or worse.

🎧 Tune in to get the facts, clear the confusion, and make the choice that could save your pet’s life.

Shoutouts in this episode:

https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

Family Animal Hospital of Friendswood

Comment on this episode! For questions or if you need a reply- please email us at Amy@StarlightPetTalk.com

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