Pet Care Information: Heartworm Disease in Your Pet Dog

Heartworm disease is a severe disease that can affect dogs, ferrets, and cats. Pets can develop lung disease and organ damage, heart failure, or even death because of the signs.

Heartworms are the natural host for dogs. This means they reside inside dogs, develop into adults, mate, and produce progeny.

Even after the parasites have been eliminated, dogs could have many worms within their lungs, hearts, and arteries, causing harm to their well-being and quality of life. Heartworm disease can have long-term effects, and that’s why it is crucial to prevent it instead of treating it once it has started.

Heartworm Disease and Prevention

Since heartworms can live for a long time, every time a mosquito infected is biting our pet, the number of worms could increase. Since dogs are the most frequent carriers of heartworms, This article will focus on heartworms in dogs. All animals infected with heartworm will benefit from this knowledge.

Transmission

The transmission of heartworms is dependent on the population of mosquitoes in the area. About 70 species of mosquitoes are in the position of transmitting disease. The more mosquitoes that live in a region, the higher the chance of heartworm transmission.

The majority of dogs are carriers of heartworm diseases. According to research conducted by researchers, heartworm infections are the most common cause of heart illness in cats. Wild animals also are affected by heartworm. Visit a veterinary clinic like Liberty lake veterinary for medical help for your pet dog.

The Heartworm

The adult heartworm may grow to 6-14 inches in length. It’s thread-like in appearance. It’s primarily located in the heart’s pulmonary vessels and the right ventricle. The process of mating occurs when mature female and male heartworms are found.

A dog’s microfilariae circulating in the bloodstream can live for two years or more. The mosquito serves as an intermediary host and a vector of disease (transmitting agents). The condition is transferred to another dog through the mosquito injecting microfilariae during the time of the bite.

Adult heartworms cause pulmonary artery irritation and thickening. As time passes, the arteries become more inflamed, and blood clots develop. The pressure of blood increases due to the blocked pulmonary arteries placing a strain on the left ventricle.

Symptoms

The clinical symptoms and signs of heartworm disease appear gradually. The symptoms usually do not show until three years after the first infection. Heart’s increased workload problems are the leading cause of symptoms.

The first signs are a lack of energy and difficulty exercising. Coughing and trouble breathing are two of the most typical signs of heartworm illness. Most dogs suffer from congestive heart failure and ascites as the disease advances.

Dogs frequently fall in the terminal stages of the illness. Heartworms are not only dangerous but also the treatment options for heartworm disease. Visit a website like LegacyAMC.com for more details.

Prevention

There are various options that pet owners can use to prevent heartworm-related illnesses. Pet owners must have heartworm screening done on their pets before beginning preventative medications. Your veterinarian should go over the best treatment plan with you if heartworms are detected.

The most popular method for heartworm prevention is to provide your pet with a monthly heartworm prevention medication. A lot of these medications are available as chewable treats. Certain of them are taken together with other preventive medications.

When it comes to pet supplies, your veterinarian will be able to provide you with the best advice. If you’d want your pet checked for heartworms or have questions regarding the condition, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian right once. Click here to get additional information.

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