A long, healthy life starts at the heart for our most trusted companions!

We’re kicking off National Heartworm Awareness Month with key takeaways about heartworms–Everything from where it comes from, how it’s prevented, and how to treat it.

Where does Heartworm Disease come from?

Heartworm disease, transmitted through mosquito bites, can cause severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage if left untreated. 

Across the nation, the risk of heartworm infection is a real concern, especially in Texas, the third state for heartworm incidences in the country.

While we might associate mosquitoes with warmer areas of the country, mosquitos carrying heartworm larvae are present in many areas, and has even been expanding in recent years. 

April is Heartworm Awareness Month

In 2025, we had over 5,300 heartworm visits, where pets were either evaluated or treated for heartworms. Emancipet offers low-cost care for our clients at all of our clinics, along with low-cost heartworm treatment at our Austin Dental and Surgical Center and our Wayside and Monroe Clinics in Houston.

Yearly testing and monthly prevention medications are crucial for protecting pets from heartworm infections!

Everything you want to know about Heartworms

  • It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito for a pet to be infected.
  • Pets cat get bitten by mosquitos even if they have long/thick fur or spend all of their time indoors.
  • Vets recommend that pets stay on monthly prevention all year, even in the winter.

Monthly heartworm preventative medications are available at low-cost from Emancipet!

Prevention is Key – And It’s Getting Even Better!

While we’re thrilled to expand our treatment capabilities in Houston, we remain committed to preventing this disease, across all our communities. 

Protecting your pet from heartworm is a simple yet vital step in ensuring their long-term health. By staying informed and utilizing effective preventative medications, and knowing that treatment is becoming more accessible, we can all work together to keep their hearts healthy and happy for years to come. Call to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today (Houston: 713-321-2713; Austin: 512-587-7729) to discuss the best heartworm prevention plan for their individual needs! 

We continually evaluate the latest advancements in veterinary medicine to ensure your pets receive the most comprehensive protection.

Take a Look at Our Heartworm Prevention Products:

Take a look at our list of preventative medications available to protect your dogs and cats:

Medications For Dogs:

  • Credelio Quattro: Credelio Quattro provides excellent protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and other internal parasites, while also kills fleas and ticks faster. Additionally, it now includes treatment for tapeworms, which is significant as these parasites can, in some cases, be transmitted from dogs to humans.
  • Interceptor: We offer Interceptor, which provides reliable heartworm prevention with an added benefit: it treats whipworms, a common intestinal parasite. Interceptor is also labeled for puppies as young as 4 weeks old, expanding our ability to protect even our youngest patients.

Medications For Cats:

  • Advantage Multi Feline: Contains an active ingredient that is more effective at clearing roundworm and hookworm infections by targeting more stages of these intestinal parasites. Furthermore, Advantage Multi Feline remains at levels in the system that treat heartworm larvae for a longer duration compared to Revolution Plus, offering enhanced peace of mind.

At your next appointment, please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have about these medications and how they benefit your pet.

Emancipet’s Research

Click here to learn more about Emancipet’s published research on heartworm disease treatment protocols!

Options for Heartworm Care:

  • Call to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today to discuss the best heartworm prevention or treatment plan for their individual needs! Click here for more information on Emancipet’s heartworm treatment services for dogs in Houston (or call: 713-321-2713) and Austin (or call: 512-587-7729).