Heartworm disease is an illness that can be easily preventable, an if caught early can be treated without complications. Heartworm disease can be contracted any time of the year, but it is prevalent in the warmer months as that is when mosquitoes are most active. Keep reading to learn about heartworm disease and how to prevent it.
What Is Heartworm Disease
According to the Veterinary Centers of America, “Heartworm disease, or dirofilariasis, is a serious and potentially fatal disease. It is caused by a blood-borne parasite known as Dirofilaria immitis.” This parasite affects the infected dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Heartworm disease occurs in stages and if left untreated can be fatal.
How Do Dogs Contract Heartworm Disease?
Dogs get heartworm disease when bitten by mosquitoes who are infected with the blood-borne parasite. The heartworm larvae travel through the host dog’s blood vessels and reproduce over the course of years, causing serious health issues for your dog.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is an insidious disease, as it doesn’t begin to show clinical symptoms until several years after infection. For this reason, prevention is the best way to combat heartworm disease. Early stage symptoms include:
- Persistent cough
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy and fatigue
- Resistance to walking/exercise
Is There Treatment?
Yes, an injectable drug called melarsomine is used in the treatment of heartworm disease in dogs. The drug is administered in a series of injections, at your vet’s recommended schedule. There is some risk in treating heartworm disease, although fatalities are rare.
How To Prevent Heartworm Disease In Dogs
The best and easiest way to prevent your dog from contracting heartworm disease is to give them heartworm medication all year long, no matter where you live. Heartworm medication can come is 3 forms:
- Topical: applied on the shoulder blades
- Chewable pill: to be eaten as a treat
- Injectable medication: lasts 6 months
No matter which option you choose, heartworm medicine works by eliminating larvae at the early stages. This prevents the parasite from maturing and causing damage to your dog’s body.
Written by Vincent M.
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