Welcoming a new puppy or kitten into your home is one of life’s greatest joys. As you gather toys, schedule vaccines, and snap countless photos, one vital aspect of their care should never be overlooked: heartworm prevention. At Kokinos Veterinary Services, we want pet owners to know that even the youngest pets are at risk of contracting heartworm disease—and that protection should start sooner than you might think.

Why Young Pets Are Vulnerable to Heartworm Disease

Every year, more than 100,000 dogs in the US are diagnosed with heartworm. Heartworm disease doesn’t wait until adulthood to pose a threat. Puppies and kittens can be bitten by mosquitoes just like adult pets, and once infected, larvae can begin maturing silently inside their growing bodies. While it takes months for heartworms to develop into adults, that process begins with the first bite—and prevention is the only way to stop it.

Because puppies and kittens have developing immune systems and smaller hearts and lungs, even a mild heartworm infection can become severe quickly. Early prevention against heartworm disease safeguards their health and avoids long-term damage as they grow.

When Should You Start Heartworm Prevention for Your Pet?

The timing of prevention depends on your pet’s age and the product used. Puppies and kittens typically can begin heartworm preventatives around 8 weeks of age. This will depend on the specific medication and your pet’s weight. If your puppy is over 6 months old and has not been on consistent parasite prevention, they should be tested for heartworm before starting preventatives. Your veterinarian will determine the appropriate start date and medication based on your pet’s age, weight, and health status.

There are multiple vet-approved options for young pets, including chewable tablets and topical heartworm treatments. Broad-spectrum preventives can also treat other internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms. The most important aspect is to use a vet-approved product that is specifically labeled for puppies or kittens.

Staying Consistent on Heartworm Medication Matters

Getting started early is only half the equation: pets need to be consistent with their heartworm prevention. Heartworm prevention must be administered throughout the year. Skipping even one dose can open the door to infection. Setting a monthly reminder, syncing prevention with your pet’s routine care, or opting for automatic refill programs help keep your puppy or kitten on track. Your vet team can also schedule doses around pet wellness exams and vaccine visits to make things easy.

Introducing heartworm prevention early protects your pet during their first year and reinforces habits for a lifetime. Puppies and kittens that begin preventive care early often stay on schedule more consistently as adults, reducing their risk of infection over the long term. It also gives your veterinary team a chance to monitor your pet’s growth and adjust dosages as needed so that they’re always receiving the correct amount of protection.

Stick to Heartworm Prevention with Kokinos Veterinary Services in Vernon, NY

Your new puppy or kitten depends on you for everything—from belly rubs to vaccines to disease prevention. Starting heartworm protection early is a simple but powerful way to safeguard their health and set them up for a long, happy life. Kokinos Veterinary Services has the knowledge to discuss age-appropriate heartworm preventatives for your young pet’s care. Just brought home a new puppy or kitten? If you are in Vernon, NY or nearby areas like Utica and Rome, book an appointment for their first visit and get started with a safe, effective heartworm prevention plan.