Millions of cats and dogs are owned by loving pet-parents all across the United States. In so many instances, our dogs and cats are there for us when life seems to become too difficult to bear. We get so bogged down with the stress of our lives that we wonder how we’re going to get by. Then, sometimes like magic, our dog or cat will come over and show us the unconditional love we don’t deserve but are incredibly thankful for.

We would do anything to keep our furry friends happy and healthy and while they may appear to be doing just fine, inside they might be battling the silent killers that are heartworms. Clinical diagnostics laboratory studies have determined that the life-threatening disease of heartworms is caused by parasitic worms that can live in a number of different places. The heart, lungs, and related blood vessels can play host to these deadly worms and they can be difficult to detect without specific types of tests. Heartworms affect dogs and cats alike, though they will do so in different ways.

Dogs that are infected might have as many as 30 or more worms in their heart and lungs. Cats, on the other hand, might simply have one or two. But, while it might take several worms to affect your dog in a way that you might notice, it might only take that one worm to make your cat deathly ill.

In a clinical diagnostics laboratory, tests can be performed to determine whether your pets have heartworms and what can be done if they do. Veterinary clinical diagnostics are concerned with the examination of animal fluids and tissue in an effort to determine what kinds of disease, if any, are present in your animal. Veterinary diagnostics companies are continually honing their skills and developing better tests to make sure our dogs and cats stay as healthy as possible.

How do you know if your dog or cat is struggling with heartworms? It is difficult to determine with the naked eye. Many times, your pet will not show outward signs of worms until they are far into the disease. This is why a heartworm test can play a major role in saving your pet’s health. Your dog might have a cough and become lethargic or not want to exercise at all. Fluid in the lungs and abdomen could be symptomatic of their heart failure.

Cats, on the other hand, might also suffer lethargy as well as weight loss. Tragically, cats might die without any previous signs of illness. Preventative measures such as testing should be done as soon as you suspect something might be wrong. The clinical diagnostics laboratory at your local vet or one your local vet uses can confirm any suspicions you might have and suggest treatment and other actions to take.

Our dogs and cats are some of the most precious beings in our lives. Don’t let heartworms take them away before their time. Have a heartworm test done today.