Heartworm and Internal Parasite Prevention in Lubbock, TX
Heartworms are dangerous parasites spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. They are common throughout Texas and surrounding states, and once inside your pet, they grow into foot-long worms that live in the heart and lungs. Left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to lung damage, congestive heart failure, and death. Screening and prevention are vital to your pet’s health.
Heartworm Testing and Prevention
At Hub City Veterinary Clinic, we recommend annual heartworm testing for dogs and year-round heartworm prevention for both dogs and cats. Annual testing is important even for pets on prevention, since a missed or late dose can leave a window for infection. We offer two convenient prevention options:
- ProHeart injectable prevention: a single injection that protects your dog for six months, so you never have to remember a monthly dose
- Monthly oral preventives: easy, at-home chewable medications given once a month
These preventives work by killing immature heartworm larvae before they can mature and cause heart disease. Prevention is far safer and more affordable than treatment, which requires a series of injections and weeks of strict rest. There is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats, making prevention the only protection.
Internal Parasites in Dogs and Cats
Intestinal and lung parasites are common in dogs and cats. Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, Giardia, and coccidia can cause harmful problems for your pet, often without any outward signs. Some of these parasites can also spread to people, especially children. For these reasons, we recommend annual fecal screening for every pet, and more frequent testing for puppies, kittens, and pets with higher exposure. Many monthly heartworm preventives also help control certain intestinal worms.
How to Bring a Stool Sample
When you schedule a wellness appointment, you will be asked to bring a fresh stool sample. Please collect it within 12 hours of your visit and place it in a small plastic bag. When you arrive, a member of our medical team will collect the sample and prepare it for evaluation. Learn more about complete protection on our parasite prevention and flea and tick control pages.
To schedule heartworm testing or discuss prevention options, call Hub City Veterinary Clinic at (806) 701-5000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heartworms and Internal Parasites
How do pets get heartworms?
Heartworms are spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, which transfers heartworm larvae into your pet’s bloodstream.
Does my dog need heartworm prevention year-round in Lubbock?
Yes. Mosquitoes can be active much of the year in Texas, so we recommend year-round heartworm prevention and annual testing.
What is ProHeart?
ProHeart is an injectable heartworm preventive given at our clinic that protects your dog for six months with a single injection.
Can cats get heartworms?
Yes. Cats can get heartworms, and there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats, so prevention is the only protection.
What are the signs of heartworm disease?
Signs can include coughing, tiring easily, reduced appetite, weight loss, and difficulty breathing, though early infections often show no signs.
How often should my pet have a fecal test?
We recommend at least annual fecal testing for adult pets and more frequent testing for puppies, kittens, and high-risk pets.
How should I bring a stool sample to my appointment?
Collect a fresh sample within 12 hours of your visit, place it in a small plastic bag, and give it to our team when you arrive.
