The foot-long worms that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets can cause severe and potentially fatal diseases in pets. They can affect both dogs and cats, and the treatment can sometimes take several months. Fortunately, pet insurance can help cover heartworm treatment as long as they are not pre-existing conditions and the policy's waiting period is over before the condition develops.
Let us understand heartworms a little better knowing that they can cause severe issues in your pet –
Does Dog Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment?
Yes, pet insurance can help cover eligible costs related to heartworm treatment if the heartworms are not a pre-existing condition and the policy’s waiting period is over before the condition develops.
With Spot’s accident and illness plan, you can not only get reimbursed up to 90% of the cost of treatment, but also all other eligible costs related to diagnosis, medications, follow-up vet visits, alternative therapies, and more.
Read More: Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworms?
What are Heartworms?
Heartworms are large worm parasites called ‘Dirofilaria immitis’. They can reach up to a length of a foot or more (if seen under a microscope, they look like spaghetti). They are transmitted from one animal to another through mosquitoes. As they land on the new host, they develop into adults in six to seven months and start living inside blood vessels that serve the heart and the lungs. (1)
These parasites put pressure on the heart by getting it clogged. This causes inflammation of the blood vessels and lungs. This can result in severe complications of the heart, and even heart failure in extreme cases.
Heartworms in Dogs
A dog’s body is a natural host for heartworms. These parasites can live for an average of 3–5 years in a dog's body. Most of them will grow into adults and produce offspring. If left untreated, they can cause a number of problems related to the heart, lungs and arteries. The dog’s immune system can also damage the blood vessels in its response to the dead heartworms. (1)
Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are at a higher risk here. They are also seen more in medium to large-sized dogs that are over 3 years old. This is because small dogs have smaller blood vessels and heart chambers, which means they can tolerate fewer worms without vessel damage or blockage.
More than 1 million pets in the US are believed to be heartworm-positive and these dogs can be found in all 50 states.(4)
Read More: Heartworm Treatment Cost Guide for Dogs
Heartworms in Cats
Heartworms and cats have the exact opposite relationship of theirs with dogs. Most worms do not survive in a cat’s body. Cats with heartworms do not have the adult ones. This is why heartworm disease goes undiagnosed in cats most of the times. However, immature worms can also cause severe problems in a cat’s body. One of the most common problems is ‘heartworm associated respiratory disease’ (HARD). (1)
What Are the Signs of Heartworms in dogs?
In the early phase of the disease, you may not see any symptoms. Later on, you’ll start noticing changes in the dog’s lifestyle depending on the organs affected. Below are the most common signs of heartworm in dogs – (2)
Persistent cough
Lethargy
Exercise intolerance
Collapse
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
As the condition develops, you’ll start noticing a swollen belly due to the excess fluid in the abdomen. If the number of heartworms is large, the dog can experience a sudden collapse due to the blockages of blood flow. In such cases, you’ll often see labored breathing, pale gums, and dark bloody or coffee-colored urine.
What is The Treatment of Heartworms in Dogs?
As serious as the condition sounds, the good thing is that it can be treated. The treatment often includes – (2)
Diagnosis – An antigen test will be conducted initially. If the dog tests positive, an additional test can be prescribed to be absolutely sure as the treatment can be complex and expensive. Other form of tests includes chest radiographs, EKG, blood pressure, echocardiogram, urine testing, etc.
Reduced/restricted physical activities – Dogs with heartworms may not be allowed any form of physical exertion as it can increase the rate at which they damage the heart and lungs.
Stabilization – The dog needs to be stabilized before the actual heartworm treatment starts to ensure maximum effectiveness. The vet may prescribe an appropriate therapy for the same.
Treatment – The treatment usually involves several steps. It will include steroids to decrease the inflammation, antibiotics to kill the symbiote, the organism that lives within the heartworm and other specific heartworm preventive to stop the younger worms to grow into adults.
How Much Does Heartworm Treatment Cost in Dogs?
A heartworm test will cost you around $35 to $75. Another confirmatory test will cost you around $20 to $40. The diagnosis to then find out the severity of the condition can cost you anywhere between $125-$1000, depending on the type of tests required. Medications will cost you around $50-$170 including the preventive ones. Another round of steroids and injections that are prescribed for several weeks will cost around $1500. Then the follow-up vet visit will determine if the dog needs to continue treatment. If yes, you can expect another $1000-$1500 to be spent. (3)
Some dogs that are severely infected may even need to go through surgery which can cost anywhere between $3000-$6000. So, the total cost of treatment can vary depending on the severity, but in either case, it will probably be a huge bill. (3)
Can Heartworms be Prevented in Dogs and Cats?
Yes, heartworms can and should be prevented in dogs and cats. You get prevention medications that are to be taken once every month. If you miss a dose, it can increase the pet’s susceptibility to heartworms. It is recommended you consult your vet before starting any form of preventive medication.
More About Spot Pet Insurance
Dog Insurance can help provide financial assistance for eligible veterinary care in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries. Our plans can help pet parents manage the eligible costs of covered veterinary care and help ensure that their pets can receive the best treatment possible. Here are some ways that Spot pet insurance plans can help:
Covers Unexpected Veterinary Costs: Spot pet insurance plans help cover the eligible costs of unexpected veterinary treatments, such as emergency surgeries, X-rays, and prescription medications for covered conditions.
Customizable Plans: Choose your annual limit, reimbursement rate, and deductible from a range of options, and create the plan that will fit the needs of your pet and your budget.
Peace of Mind: With Spot pet insurance plans, pet parents can know that they can provide the best care for their pet with less worry about the cost.
To learn more about Spot Plans or to get a free quote, click here.
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
With 15 years as a dog and cat parent, my pet articles are a mix of humor and firsthand experience - proof that the best stories often come with paws and purrs.
Heartworm in dogs. (n.d.). American Heartworm Society. https://www.heartwormsociety.org/heartworms-in-dogs
Kearley, M., DVM. (2024, December 11). Heartworm disease in dogs: Symptoms, causes and treatment. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/heartworm-disease-in-dogs
Sulik, K., DVM. (2022, October 14). How much does heartworm treatment cost for dogs? https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/how-much-does-heartworm-treatment-cost-dogs
Larkin, Malinda . “Heartworm Incidence Climbs despite Preventive Efforts.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 8 Oct. 2024, www.avma.org/news/heartworm-incidence-climbs-despite-preventive-efforts.
