At 4Paws Mobile Veterinary Services, we know how concerning it can be to hear that your pet has tested positive for heartworm disease. Because we come directly to you—serving families across the Peninsula and South Bay—we often have the opportunity to help guide pet owners through this diagnosis step-by-step from the comfort of home.

In recognition of April as National Heartworm Awareness Month, we’re sharing what happens after a positive test, and how your mobile care team can help your pet recover safely.

Understanding a Positive Heartworm Test

A positive heartworm result doesn’t mean immediate treatment. First, we need to determine how advanced the infection is. After an initial test, we’ll perform additional diagnostics to fully evaluate your pet’s health, which may include:

• A microfilaria test to detect immature heartworms
• Blood tests to assess liver and kidney function
• X-rays or ultrasound to view the condition of the heart and lungs

This information helps us build a safe and effective treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs and the severity of the disease.

Rest is a Critical Part of Treatment

After a heartworm diagnosis, your pet’s activity must be restricted—even if they seem healthy. Physical exertion increases blood flow, which can cause dead worms to move into critical areas like the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

• Dogs may need to stay indoors, avoid playtime, and be placed on leash-only walks
• Cats should be kept calm, as even stress can worsen symptoms
• In some cases, crate rest may be necessary to limit activity

Limiting movement helps reduce risks during treatment and supports a smoother recovery.

How Heartworm is Treated in Dogs

Heartworm treatment in dogs is a multi-step process:

1. Pre-treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to weaken the worms and manage symptoms
2. Administration of heartworm preventatives to stop new infections
3. A series of injections over time to kill the adult heartworms
4. Continued monitoring and follow-up testing

Because we are a mobile practice, much of this care can be coordinated in your home, helping to reduce stress for both you and your pet.

Heartworm Disease in Cats

Heartworm disease is more difficult to treat in cats, as there is no approved medication to kill adult heartworms in felines. Instead, we focus on:

• Managing inflammation in the lungs
• Monitoring symptoms closely
• Supporting the immune system and keeping your cat calm and comfortable

Prevention is especially important for cats, as even a single heartworm can cause severe health issues.

Protecting Your Pet Starts with Prevention

The good news? Heartworm disease is entirely preventable. At 4Paws Mobile Veterinary Services, we recommend:

• Annual heartworm testing
• Year-round preventatives for both dogs and cats
• Routine wellness visits to keep your pet protected and healthy

Serving pets across the Peninsula and South Bay, we bring compassionate, full-service care right to your doorstep. If your pet isn’t on a heartworm preventative or is due for testing, give us a call. Let’s work together to keep your pet safe this season—and every season.