Heartworm disease is a type of parasitic infection passed along by mosquitoes to pets like dogs and cats. Heartworms can grow up to 12 inches in length and still go undetected. This worm leads a double life; sometimes living in the blood vessels around the heart, while other times it takes over the lungs where they make their home.
It usually takes anywhere between 3 to 5 years for a dog to show clinical signs once a dog has been infected. So it’s usually diagnosed in 2-8-year-old dogs. Dogs under 1 year of age don’t show clinical signs because they haven’t been living with the parasite long enough.
With that being said, Heartworms have a lifespan of up to seven years. The parasites can cause havoc on your dog’s heart, lungs, liver, and other vital organs. Their bite is painless and often goes unnoticed until major organ damage has already occurred over time. The symptoms that pet parents might notice include coughing, weight loss, poor coat condition, and a failure to thrive despite regular feeding.
Heartworm Disease: The Contraction
Heartworms, if left untreated, can lead to serious and life-threatening heart disease and lung infection in dogs. One way that these pests are transmitted is through the bite of an infected mosquito.
This disease is much like a ghost problem for dogs. It can’t be seen at first glance, but it’s more than likely affecting your canine companion. Talk to a veterinarian about protecting your dog from such worms so that you and your faithful four-legged pal can enjoy everything life has to offer together.
For dog parents, it’s always important to make sure their pets are protected from mosquitos. Microfilaria lives within the bloodstream and grows into adult worms in the dog’s heart, lungs, and arteries where they embed themselves.
It can take about 7 months for Heartworms (also known as Dirofilaria immitis) to grow into fully developed adults. Once they have reached this point, they are capable of siring numerous offspring. With their long life spans, one such parasite can produce multiple times within a dog in its lifetime – and the problem tends to grow exponentially.
Note: If a dog that does not have heartworms is housed with a heartworm-positive dog, it is not necessary that the uninfected dog will get heartworms too. That is because the disease is not contagious.
Heartworm Disease: The Prevention
As a dedicated dog parent, it can be hard to imagine life without the furry little friend. One of the top concerns for dog owners today is – how Heartworms can be avoided. And that’s why there are not just one but several different types of preventatives available in the market when it comes to this disease.
When it is about keeping your canine pal healthy, one has to be aware of the risks they may face and be informed on which precautions they need to take. These days – with all the new choices available in the market – one might feel a bit overwhelmed. You should always follow your vet’s recommendations above all else. Next, stick to the schedule of administering the preventive doses on time. That’s it for the starters!
Medicines like Heartgard can keep your dog protected against such awful worms and diseases. The chewable medicines are usually meat-flavored, so dogs love eating them. They can be also hidden inside the dog’s everyday food. It’d be quite a treat for your pal! If you’re wondering how much does Heartgard cost, it’s very affordable. Moreover, it uses the scientifically proven combination of Pyrantel and Ivermectin to eliminate the larvae before they can mature into adults.
Heartworm Prevention: Things to Keep In Mind
When choosing a Heartworm preventive for your dog, make sure that it is, for real, a preventive. There could be many products that might harm your dog if administered improperly. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that not all flea or tick products provide pest prevention against Heartworms in dogs. Some only protect the animal from the general parasites.
For dog owners, Heartworm prevention is a year-round concern. Even when your dog appears to be healthy, you should still invest in preventative care for the well-being of your pet. Heartworm disease cannot be seen by looking at your pup and should not be taken lightly. Talk to a veterinarian about the appropriate steps to take for preventing Heartworm disease in your dog so that it may have the chance to live a long and healthy life.
