Log in to become a member of Natalie Williams's Fan Club!
We don't call dogs "man's best friend" for no reason. By spending time with us, walking with us, playing with us and loving us, dogs directly contribute to a better quality of life for humans. Isn't it only fair that we return the favor? It is the primary responsibility of the dog owner to make sure that their canine friend is as well taken care of, healthy and happy as they can be and making sure that their pets are disease and heartworm free is one of the most important ways of doing so.
What is Heartworm?
Heartworm is a disease commonly found in dogs and some cats. It is a parasitic worm that can cause lots of damage to a dog's system and they get the worms through contact with mosquitoes. While dogs are the primary hosts for this parasite, it has been known for cats to have heartworm and even some humans, but on a very rare occasion. They are actual worm parasites that live in the dog's heart, arteries and lungs and they have a life cycle of six to seven months - plenty of time to do more than enough damage.
How do Dogs Get Heartworm?
Again, heartworm is transferred through contact with mosquitoes so it is outdoor dogs that are the most afflicted by heartworm diseases. Infected mosquitoes bite the dog, but in the process they deposit heartworm larvae into the dog's coat. From there, the larvae tunnels into the dog's skin and grows into the worm-like parasite that they appear to be and they can get rather big; some heartworms have been found to be a foot long! They reproduce and make more heartworms that live in a dog's blood vessels and they can be there for years, causing lots of problems with blood circulation and the lungs.
The trouble with heartworm is that it can get very bad before it ever shows its ugly head to a human owner. This means that your dog could be infected with heartworm and you would never notice it, perhaps until it is nearly too late for them. Depending on the health of your dog, the number of heartworms, where they have infected and how long they have been there, a dog can be fatally ill with heartworm disease if they are not checked and treated thoroughly. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs include heavy or short breathing, nervousness, severe weight loss, coughing, loss of appetite or energy and fainting. Heart failure is also a sign of heartworm, although it is one of the advanced ones that might lead to death from these wicked parasites.
You Can Help Your Dog
Your vet should have heartworm preventative drugs for your pet and they can test your dog and find out whether or not he is infected with the parasites. Most heartworm tests are included in a normal vet visit as it is. If your pet sees a vet on a consistent basis, request for heartworm drugs and your dog should be fine. If they are infected, there are methods of treatment as well and many of them do work, but preventing heartworms in dogs is always a lot easier than treating them.
---------- Natalie is the author of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her site for more free tips on eliminating worms and preventing worms in your dog.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!