Introduction
Heartworm disease is one of the most serious health threats facing dogs and cats in Texas. Spread by mosquitoes, these worms grow inside the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, causing coughing, fatigue, and eventually heart failure if untreated. Prevention is simple and effective, yet many pets remain at risk because of common misunderstandings.
At Hub City Veterinary Clinic in Lubbock, we often hear the same myths repeated by well-meaning pet owners. Clearing up these misconceptions is key to keeping pets safe from this deadly disease.
Misconception #1: Pets Only Need Prevention in the Summer
Because mosquitoes are most active in warm weather, many people believe prevention is only necessary in the summer months. In reality, Texas mosquitoes can survive nearly year-round. Even a mild winter in Lubbock leaves enough warm days for mosquitoes to spread heartworm larvae.
That’s why we recommend year-round prevention without interruption. Skipping just a month or two creates a gap that leaves pets vulnerable. Consistency is the best protection.
Misconception #2: Indoor Pets Don’t Get Heartworms
It’s true that outdoor pets face higher exposure to mosquitoes, but indoor dogs and cats are not completely safe. Mosquitoes easily find their way inside homes and can bite pets while they sleep or rest by windows. Cats, even those kept strictly indoors, can and do get heartworm disease.
The risk may be lower, but the outcome is just as devastating. For cats in particular, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease, making prevention the only safeguard.
Misconception #3: You Can Tell If a Pet Has Heartworms
Many owners assume heartworm disease will show obvious signs early on, like heavy coughing or exercise intolerance. Unfortunately, the disease often progresses silently for months or even years before symptoms appear. By the time a pet shows clear signs, significant and sometimes irreversible damage has already occurred.
Routine testing is the only reliable way to detect infection in its early stages. At Hub City, we recommend annual heartworm tests alongside consistent prevention to ensure pets are fully protected.
What Owners Can Do
Heartworm prevention is simple, affordable, and far safer than treatment. Options include monthly tablets, topical products, or a convenient six-month injection. Combining prevention with annual testing ensures no infection goes unnoticed.
For families in Lubbock, where mosquitoes are a constant presence, protecting pets year-round is one of the most important steps in keeping them healthy.
Conclusion
Heartworm disease doesn’t play by the rules. Mosquitoes can bite indoors, mild winters keep them active longer, and the disease often develops silently. The good news is that prevention works, and it works best when it’s consistent.
At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, we’re here to help families in West Texas protect their pets from this deadly threat. If your dog or cat isn’t currently on prevention or hasn’t been tested recently, schedule an appointment with us today. Heartworm disease is serious, but with the right protection, it’s entirely preventable.
