What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a parasitic infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The larvae develop into worms that live in the heart and major blood vessels over months, causing progressive damage to the heart and lungs.
It’s serious, but highly preventable with the right protocol. In Malaysia, where mosquitoes are year-round, keeping dogs on regular prevention is the most important thing an owner can do.
Symptoms To Watch For
Coughing
A persistent, dry cough — often one of the earliest signs as worms affect the blood vessels around the lungs.
Exercise Intolerance
Tiring much more quickly than normal, or reluctance to exercise, as the heart and lungs come under increasing strain.
Difficulty Breathing
Laboured breathing or shortness of breath, indicating significant cardiopulmonary involvement in more advanced infection.
How It's Diagnosed
Diagnosis is confirmed through a blood test straightforward and typically done as part of routine annual screening. Testing before starting a prevention protocol is also recommended to confirm your dog’s current status.
See Our Infectious Disease Testing →Treatment & Management
Prevention is far simpler and safer than treatment. If heartworm is confirmed, treatment is possible but complex and needs to be managed carefully; we’ll explain what’s appropriate for your dog’s specific case. For dogs not yet infected, a regular prevention protocol is the answer.
See Parasite Control Service →When To Seek Care
If your dog is coughing, tiring unusually quickly, or struggling to breathe and isn’t on regular heartworm prevention book testing promptly. If prevention is overdue, book a check-in to get back on track.
Why Pet Owners Choose ExoCare?
Specialized Expertise
Modern Equipment
Emergency Care
Compassionate Vet
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma advises on testing and prevention, which matters year-round in our climate.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Our main clinic is in Subang Jaya, Selangor. We also operate 7 additional locations across the Klang Valley: USJ, Puchong, Kelana Jaya, Bukit Kiara, Bandar Sunway, Taman Paramount, and Damansara Heights. All locations operate under the same team, standards, and expertise.
Yes, during clinic hours (Mon, Wed-Sun 11 AM-7 PM), we accept emergency cases. Call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately – we’ll triage and fit you in based on urgency.
We’re open Monday, Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. We are closed on Tuesdays for clinic maintenance. For emergency cases during our operating hours, please call +60-3-5145 8989 immediately.
You can book online at our booking page, by phone at +60-3-5145 8989, by email, or by walk-in (subject to availability). We recommend booking in advance.
We accept credit card (Visa, Mastercard), debit card, bank transfer, and cash. Payment plans are available for major procedures – ask our staff.
Yes. All our veterinarians are registered with the Malaysia Veterinary Council (MVC) and trained in avian and exotic animal medicine. Our lead veterinarian, Dr. Asma Fariha, holds MVC Registration #3362.
Yes, reliably — with a regular prevention protocol. It’s one of the most straightforward and effective things you can do for your dog’s long-term health.
Treatment for confirmed infection is possible but carries real complexity and risk — it needs to be managed carefully by a vet. This is a major reason why prevention is so strongly recommended over treatment.
Typically annually, alongside a prevention protocol. We’ll advise on the right schedule and prevention approach for your dog.
Mosquito-borne parasites are a relevant and year-round risk in Malaysia’s climate. Regular prevention is the sensible approach for any dog here.
Through the bite of an infected mosquito carrying heartworm larvae. There is no direct dog-to-dog transmission — the mosquito is the essential link.