PET HEALTH
What’s the Cost of Heartworm Treatment?
The average cost of heartworm treatment in dogs is $1,000.1 In extreme cases, costs can reach $6,000.2 However, each treatment method has a different cost. The type of treatment plan you need can vary based on factors like your pet’s species and the stage of the disease, too.
Take a look at common heartworm treatment methods and their costs to help you find the best treatment plan for your pet.
How Much Is Heartworm Treatment?
If your pet has been diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment methods and costs can vary based on whether they’re a dog or cat.3
Dog heartworm treatment cost
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that the average cost of heartworm treatment for dogs can reach $1,000.1 However, serious cases can require surgical treatment which may cost $3,000 – $6,000 on its own.2
Heartworm treatment for dogs typically includes doxycycline, an antibiotic designed to weaken heartworms, and steroids administered over several months. If these meds don’t work, end-stage treatment involves rounds of melarsomine, an injection administered on day 60, 90, and 91 of treatment. Your dog may also need to follow strict exercise restrictions to ensure the treatment is effective.2
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) states that heartworm removal surgery for dogs is generally considered risky, though it may be necessary in severe cases.3
Cat heartworm treatment cost
While there are no approved medications to treat heartworm in cats, heartworm preventatives can reduce the risk of your cat contracting heartworm disease. If your cat develops heartworm disease, your vet can help manage symptoms.4
Exact care costs depend on your treatment plan, which will be designed to monitor symptoms and attempt to reduce severity. For instance, your cat may need to undergo diagnostic testing like X-rays and ultrasounds to confirm the heartworms. Then, ongoing care may involve steroids, oxygen therapy, cardiovascular drugs, and antibiotics to manage symptoms — though these likely won’t get rid of the heartworms.5
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the heartworms, though some experts consider this a high-risk option.3
Pet Insurance Can Support Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
Ensuring your pet takes their heartworm preventative medication on a monthly basis is one of the best ways to protect them from heartworm disease. Learn more about what pet insurance can cover and how how MetLife Pet can help offset the costs of preventive care and treatment. Get your free quote today.