About heartworms in dogs

Heartworms in dogs are one of the most dangerous canine parasites and they pose a much more serious risk to Fido`s health than intestinal worms.

Heartworms are transmitted into your puppy or dog`s bloodstream through the bite of a mosquito who is carrying heartworm larvae in it`s blood.

These immature larvae are called microfilaria.

This is the ONLY way that heartworm disease can be transmitted to your puppy or dog.

Video: Heartworm Video: Copyright Merial ltd. Duluth, Ga. Used with permission.

Heartworm is NOT contagious and it cannot be transmitted to another dog (or cat, ferret or other mammal -  including humans) without the `middle-man` (ie the mosquito).

Heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are most prevalent in the warmer, central and southern states and during the Spring, Summer and early Fall season.

Rural locations tend to have more mosquitoes than cities do, but it just takes one infected insect to cause trouble.

Quick Links:

• Where/when heartworms cause the most trouble
• Symptoms to look out for
• Treatment options
• Prevention is so important!

Heartworms in Dogs - Symptoms

The symptoms of heartworms in dogs can take up to 6 months to appear.

Video: Heartworm Extraction Surgery

By this time a dog is usually pretty sick - so it`s very important to act right awayif you think your dog could be infected.

Because heartwormsinvade the heart, they cause problems with blood circulation, either inthe heart itself or in major/minor blood vessels in other organs such asthe lungs.

Many of the signs of a heartworm problem are directly related to reduced bloodflow.

Heartworm Symptoms can include :

• Loss or energy, or persistent lethargy


• Coughing or hacking


• Difficulty breathing
• Swollen belly due to retained fluid


• Heart rhythm changes, such as a heart murmur


• Eventually, collapse or death

Usually generalized weight loss and lethargy will accompany these symptoms.

If you`re worried that your dog may have heartworms, your vet can do some diagnostic tests for you.......

The most common one is a simple blood-test called the Heartwormantigen Test.

Other diagnostic procedures include a test to determine the concentration of microfilaria in the bloodstream, and X-rays. Ultrasounds or ECG`s.

Heartworm Treatment For Dogs

A dog with heartworm disease needs to be carefully examined by a vetto make sure his organs are healthy enough to withstand thetreatment/drugs.

If your pet is diagnosed with a mild-moderate case of heartworm infestation, he will likely be given a powerful drugs to kill off the heartworms - both in their larvae and adult stages.

He will also needcomplete rest and IV fluids, possibly corticosteroids as well, and all of this usually means an extended stay at the animal hospital initially.

Overall it usually takes about 6-7 months to treat canine heartworm disease and to make sure they`re fully removed from your dog`s body.

There can be complications as the dead parasites are eliminated from his body and both your veterinarian and yourself will need to monitor your pet`s condition very closely for several months.

It`s vitally important that a dog who is being treated for this condition is kept very still and quiet for several months.

Exercise (even mild exercise) can cause the worms to block major blood vessels or arteries, or result in other complications, any/all of which could cause sudden death.

Insevere cases, heart surgery may be needed.

This involves theveterinarian surgically removing the worms from a dogs` heart. Ofcourse, this is as dangerous and as costly as it sounds!

BUT the good news is that there`s really no need for your pup/dog to ever have to go through this ordeal because there are reliable heartworm preventatives that will protect him from ever being infected.

Prevention Is The Key!

A heartworm infestation is terrible for your dog and can be fatal.

Even if you`re lucky enough to catch the problem while it`s still treatable the treatment itself is painful, expensive and complicated.

So why risk putting yourself (and your precious pup) in that position?

Especially when it`s so simple to prevent the problem in the first place.

Preventing heartworm is as simple as giving your dog a monthly preventative. It`s literally a life-saver!

Check out my Heartworm Prevention page for everything you need to know to keep your pet safe.

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