Heartworm Infection in Dogs: A Serious Health Risk

Heartworm disease is considered a life threatening disease for both dogs and cats since it is a parasitic infection caused by infection of parasitic worms known as Dirofilaria immitis and I am pretty sure no one would want to get infected with that. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected animals.

What is the Means which Spreads Heartworm Disease?

Heartworms are spread by the bite of a mosquito that has heartworm-infected blood. An infected mosquito contains heartworm larva which engulfs from an infected dog as a feed source. After being transferred to a mosquito, the larvae start maturing to adult worms. Upon biting other canines some of the infected mosquito’s punctures an adult heartworm therefore, imparts the invader into the dog’s bourgeois circulation.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease

The symptoms of heartworm disease vary depending on the level of the infection. The dog may only have few clinical signs that are close to nil in mild form of the disease. When the infection reaches moderate levels, some of the dogs may start showing the following clinical symptoms:

Coughing
Shortness of breath
Extreme sickness [dog lays down without doing any activities]
Pesos [losing weight although it does not seem a diet]
Minimal appetite
Throwing up
Weakness

Large distended abdomen

In advanced forms, heartworm disease is responsible for elephantiasis, ascites, liver failure, obstructive pulmonary disease and even death.

Diagnosis and Procedure

I n the case of a parasite such as a heartworm, suspect your dog has, and immediately see the heartworm veterinarian is unnecessarily regrettable. The doctor will perform clinical examination and laboratory investigation and in particular blood tests.

Treating heartworm disease involves a course of medications designed to eliminate heartworms and halt the growth of new larvae, in the body; nonetheless it is worth noting that this treatment carries some risks and may necessitate hospital care.

Protection, against outcomes.

A great approach to safeguard your dog against heartworm disease is to prevent bites by administering heartworm preventative medication in various forms like pills or chewables and, by taking measures to lower the mosquito population near your home like getting rid of stagnant water and using mosquito repellent.

Remember that heartworm disease can become an issue when not addressed promptly; ensuring your dog receives preventive care and prompt veterinary attention can safeguard their health and prevent this harmful disease from affecting them.