Why Heartworm Prevention is Mandatory for Houston Pets

If you live in Southeast Texas, you know that mosquitoes are a year-round reality. Because heartworm disease is transmitted solely through mosquito bites, Houston is considered a "high-risk" zone by the American Heartworm Society.

The High Cost of Waiting Many owners ask if they can skip a month of prevention during the "winter." In Houston, there is no true winter for mosquitoes. A single bite from an infected mosquito can lead to foot-long worms living in your dog's heart and lungs.

• Prevention: Costs roughly $10–$20 a month.

• Treatment: Can cost over $1,500 and requires months of painful injections and strict crate rest.

Our Recommendation for 2026 We recommend a "Double Defense" strategy: a monthly preventative coupled with environmental mosquito control. During your annual physical exam, we perform a quick blood test to ensure your pet is negative before starting or continuing medication.

Convenience at Your Fingertips: You can now set up "Auto-Ship" for your preventatives through our online pharmacy portal, ensuring you never miss a dose.