Although it’s estimated that about 1 in every 200 dogs will contract a parasite at some point in their lives, many owners remain uninformed about the disease and how it can affect their pets. The parasite known as heartworm can dwell in your dog’s heart, arteries, and lungs, and at first glance, this may not seem like a major risk. One in one hundred dogs in the United States will develop this disease each year, so it’s not exactly uncommon.
There is no cure for the irreparable damage caused by worms to a dog’s heart and blood vessels. Pulmonary hypertension, or hypertension in the arteries that provide blood to your pet’s lungs, can develop as a result of this condition.
As a result, preventing your dog from contracting this parasite is crucial no matter how old it is, what breed it is, or where you live in the country. As a result, more and more people are having their dogs examined for heartworm disease and other infections.
The vet will probably prescribe Heartgard for Dogs up to 25 lbs as these are the greatest medicine for preventing this illness. As an added bonus to protecting against the hidden danger of heartworm disease, most of them also treat and manage five main species of intestinal worms.
Here are the top 10 facts about heartworms in dogs that you need to know to better protect your pet and feel prepared in case he or she becomes infected.
Mosquitoes are the Primary Vector for Heartworm Disease
Most people believe that ingesting raw or spoiled food is the only way to contract an internal parasite. However, heartworms are spread by annoying mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes serve as an intermediate host for disease transmission after they drink blood from an infected animal, hatching and passing on the parasites to their next meal. Microfilaria is the common name for these larvae. Approximately 20 mosquito species are likely capable of serving as intermediate hosts for heartworms at the present time.
The Disease Has Nothing to Do With The Region
No matter where they call home, canine companions should always take precautions to prevent heartworm disease. While heartworms are more prevalent in the south and southwest, it should be noted that instances of the disease have been documented in every state in the union.
Therefore, there is no such thing as a mosquito-free zone and no place where heartworms are not a concern. This is why vets stress the importance of prevention for all dogs, no matter where they live.
Adult Heartworms Don’t Appear for Another Six Months
It takes about six months for an infected pet to develop into an adult after contracting microfilaria. During this time, they are making their way through your dog’s circulatory system to her major organs. The worms’ adult habitat is here.
Female Heartworms are Larger Than Males
Some people find the mere mention of worms repulsive. Heartworms, however, are unlike any other kind of worm.
Although only about 5 mm in thickness, they can grow to be quite long, up to 6 inches for males and over a foot for females. When mature, heartworms resemble cooked spaghetti or noodles. It’s not out of the ordinary for a dog to host up to 250 worms (known as a worm burden).
Recognizing Heartworm Disease Symptoms Can be Challenging
Dogs are masters of camouflaging their weaknesses, whether they be illness or weakness. The fact that it takes about 6 months after being bitten for symptoms to manifest adds to the difficulty of determining whether or not your dog friend has been infected with this parasite. When present, symptoms are typically mild and include the following:
- Lack of motivation to work out
- Exercise-induced coughing or dizziness
- Irregular, constant, and dry coughing
- Lack of air, difficulty breathing
- Fatigue and disinterest in doing anything
- Subpar hunger
- Minimizing Body Fat
- Unremarkable sheen level
Caval Syndrome can Develop if Heartworms are Not Treated
When a dog has so many worms that their blood flow is physically blocked by the worm mass on its way to its heart, a condition known as Caval Syndrome develops. In this urgent situation, your pet will need to have the worms surgically removed.
Despite advances in surgical techniques, a significant number of dogs still do not survive this procedure. Those who do so will suffer long-term consequences, including damage to vital organs like the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Heartworms in Dogs Can be Treated, But at a High Financial and Health Risk
Fortunately, dogs with heartworms can be treated, but there are a few potential downsides to doing so. These include a possible reaction to the heartworms’ demise and the risk of blood clots.
This is why your dog will be under constant observation while receiving treatment. The cost of treating heartworms is high, about 15 times higher than the price of preventing the parasite.
Prevention Is Always Preferred Over Cure
Of course, avoiding a heartworm problem for your pet is preferable to fixing one later. Topical’spot-on’ applications, oral tablets, and even an injection are just some of the preventatives that can be used.
Your vet will be able to recommend a heartworm preventative that is safe and effective for your dog because all such medications require a prescription.
Preventive Medications Should Always Be Administered Promptly
Each preventative can only be used for as long as it is recommended by the manufacturer. The typical time frame for this is 30 days. Six months is the standard duration for injectable prophylactics.
It’s crucial that you follow this regimen precisely and give all of the pills at the right times. If you don’t do this, your dog is at risk of contracting the disease.
When it comes to heartworms, your vet is your best resource. Your veterinarian is the best resource for up-to-date information on heartworms and the best person to ask about prevention and treatment options.
