Understanding Heartworm in Bergen County: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment

If you live in Bergen County and have a dog, or even a cat, you’ve likely heard about heartworm. But how serious is it, really? And does your pet actually need monthly prevention all year long?

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Because heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, and because mosquito seasons are lasting longer in our area, every pet in Bergen County is at risk, even those who spend most of their time indoors. The good news? Heartworm disease is completely preventable, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of it.

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What is Heartworm Disease?

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Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Once inside the body, the larvae travel through the bloodstream and eventually mature into foot-long worms that settle in the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs.

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Just one infected mosquito can put your pet at risk—especially in warmer, humid areas like Bergen County, where mosquitoes thrive for most of the year.

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Are Dogs and Cats at Risk in Bergen County?

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Absolutely. While dogs are the primary hosts for heartworms, cats can be affected too, even if they live mostly indoors.

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Risk Factors in Our Area:

• Standing water (bird baths, puddles, ponds)
• Wooded or marshy areas (like Campgaw Mountain, Celery Farm)
• Mild winters and warm, wet springs (which extend mosquito season)
• Pets who go outside, even briefly

Bergen County has reported increasing cases of heartworm in both dogs and cats over the past few years. Prevention is critical.

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Symptoms of Heartworm in Pets

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Heartworm can go undetected for months, even years. That’s why annual testing and prevention are key.

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In dogs, watch for:

• Coughing
• Fatigue after light activity
• Weight loss
• Labored breathing
• Swollen abdomen (in advanced cases)

In cats, symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing or wheezing
• Sudden collapse or even sudden death (due to inflammatory response)

There is no safe cure for heartworm in cats—so prevention is especially important for our feline friends.

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How to Prevent Heartworm

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Prevention is safe, easy, and much more affordable than treating heartworm disease.

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Our Recommended Prevention Plan:

• Medication
  
  • For dogs, we recommend NexGard Plus for your pet’s flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. It provides excellent protection with a few additional benefits, instant rebates, improved product guarantees, and a palatability guarantee to ensure your pet takes it with ease.
  • For cats, we recommend NexGard Combo for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. It offers trusted protection, along with perks like instant rebates and enhanced product guarantees.
• Annual heartworm testing for dogs
• Feline-specific prevention for at-risk cats
• Reminder scheduling to ensure no missed doses

At Allendale Veterinary Hospital, we'll help you choose the right product based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and risk level.

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What About Treatment?

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If your dog does test positive for heartworm, treatment is possible, but it is a medically intensive process. It involves:

• Multiple injections to kill adult worms
• Strict crate rest for several months
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce risk of complications
• Re-testing after treatment to ensure the infection is cleared

Prevention is safer, cheaper, and far less stressful for both you and your pet.

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What's Included in a Heartworm Test?

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Heartworm testing is quick and simple—it just takes a small blood sample to detect the presence of heartworm proteins.

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We recommend annual testing during your pet’s wellness exam, even if your pet has been on preventive medication. No prevention is 100% effective, and early detection can save lives.

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Don't Wait - Protect Your Pet Today

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Heartworm is a silent threat, but with the right preventive care, it’s completely avoidable. If your pet hasn’t had a recent heartworm test or isn’t on a monthly prevention plan, now’s the time.

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We’re here to make it easy and compassionate. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a long-time client, our team is ready to help keep your dog or cat healthy, heartworm-free, and happy.