Heartworms are parasites that are found in all 50 states, but they are most prevalent in the southern United States. This is because heartworms are passed from one infected animal (dog or cat) to another through a mosquito bite. Silver Star Animal Hospital in Orlando, Florida recognizes the seriousness of heartworm disease. Our hospital offers heartworm testing to detect the presence of heartworms, which is necessary if you have not had your pet on a preventative medicine. Our staff will take a small amount of blood and run it through a kit, which can indicate the presence of parasites. If your pet tests positive, then heartworm treatment can begin. It is not only a very lengthy treatment, but also a costly one. Your pet will need to be kept calm for several months in order to avoid putting stress on the heart and lungs. If your pet tests negative for heartworms, then a preventative medicine should be started. Silver Star Animal Hospital offers this medicine in several forms such as injectables, pills, and tasty treats.