Heartworm Prevention for Dogs and Cats in Lynnwood, WA

What Is Heartworm and Why Is Prevention Important?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside your pet, these worms can grow and reproduce in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to lung disease, heart failure, and permanent damage.

The good news? Heartworm prevention is simple, affordable, and highly effective. By preventing heartworm before it starts, you’re protecting your pet from pain, invasive treatment, and costly medical care down the line.

When Should I Start My Puppy or Kitty on Heartworm Prevention?

Starting prevention early is essential to your pet’s health. Here’s when to begin:

• Puppies: As early as 8 weeks old, after a negative heartworm test
• Kittens: Once cleared by a veterinarian and starting at a safe weight

Ask our Lynnwood veterinary team about the best time to begin prevention based on your pet’s age, size, and health history.

Do I Need a Prescription for Heartworm Prevention in Lynnwood?

Yes, a veterinary prescription is required for all FDA-approved heartworm medications. That’s because:

• Your pet must test negative before starting prevention
• Yearly testing ensures your pet remains heartworm-free
• Medications must be administered under professional guidance

At Seaview, we offer in-house heartworm testing and prescriptions, making the process easy and seamless.

Is Heartworm Prevention Necessary Year-Round in Lynnwood, WA?

Absolutely. Even though Lynnwood has cooler months, mosquitoes can survive indoors and during unseasonably warm spells. That means pets are at risk every month of the year.

Both the FDA and American Heartworm Society recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all pets. Our team fully supports this recommendation to ensure your pet is protected continuously.

Our Lynnwood veterinary team recommends consistent protection for lasting health.

What Are the Signs of Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats?

Symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. Look for:

• Coughing
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Labored breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Collapse

Cats may show subtler symptoms like vomiting, wheezing, or sudden collapse.

What’s the Difference Between Heartworm Prevention for Dogs and Cats?

While dogs are natural hosts for heartworms, cats are also at risk—even if they stay indoors. Key differences include:

• Medication: Dogs have more options; feline preventives are more limited
• Symptoms: Cats often show no signs until late-stage illness
• Testing: Heartworm tests for cats are less definitive, making prevention even more critical

Schedule a feline-specific consultation with our Lynnwood veterinary team to determine the right plan for your cat.

Does Pet Insurance cover Heartworm Treatment in Lynnwood?

Some pet insurance plans cover preventive medications, annual exams, and testing, especially if you opt into wellness add-ons.

Seaview Animal Hospital can provide detailed documentation to support your reimbursement claims. Ask our team for help navigating your plan’s coverage options.

Which Veterinary Clinics in Lynnwood Offer Heartworm Prevention Services?

Several local clinics provide heartworm prevention in Lynnwood, but here’s why more pet owners choose Seaview:

• Fear-Free Certified Veterinarian (Dr. Kiefer Hazard, DVM)
• Compassionate, individualized care
• Advanced in-house diagnostics
• Trusted by families across Lynnwood and Edmonds

Your pet deserves more than just medication—they deserve a thoughtful prevention strategy delivered with care.

Why Choose Seaview Animal Hospital for Heartworm Prevention in Lynnwood, WA?

At Seaview, we don’t just treat—we listen, educate, and care. Here’s what sets us apart:

• A commitment to compassionate, transparent, evidence-based vet care
• Tailored prevention plans backed by modern diagnostic tools
• A team guided by our values: trust, comfort, and community
• Care led by Dr. Kiefer Hazard, a Fear-Free Certified DVM