Many people believe that heartworms are an infestation that dogs can catch from other dogs or from eating things off the ground that have been infected. This is not the case. Heartworms are caused by mosquitoes who carry the larvae of heartworms and infect the dog when they bite it. When heartworm symptoms in dogs becomes noticable the dog usually has had the infestation for a long period of time.

There are many steps we take on a yearly basis to assure that our dogs remain healthy. Many people take their pets in for an annual check-up which includes getting any vaccinations that are due, having the teeth cleaned, and other tasks that a veterinarian must perform.

Adding treatment for heartworm should be included in this yearly check-up. The medicines available to prevent heartworm in a dog are affordable and come in topical creams, pills, or shots that are given yearly. Using these treatments assures that a pet will not be infected by a mosquito bite.

Mosquitoes exist and multiply in any area that has standing water or new construction. There are many cases where mosquitoes will inhabit an area near a pool in a home’s yard. It is very hard to protect a pet from playing in a field or yard where there may be standing water and this water can be a breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.

An infestation is fully manifested by the type heartworm symptoms in dogs become visible. Heartworms can live in the bloodstream of a dog, attacking organs throughout the body, for several years with no visible symptoms. By the time the symptoms do begin to appear the dog is ill and needs to see a vet immediately.

One of the main symptoms that a dog will show when the heartworms have clogged the heart is coughing. The cough will not sound like kennel cough but be more raspy as thought the dog is gasping for air while coughing. A dog may cough so hard that they will cough up blood or pass out in the middle of coughing.

The shortness of breath that a pet exhibits is the result of heartworms in the lungs. The dog will often gradually be unable to breathe as the heartworms continue to multiply in the lungs. They may move their head in different directions trying to find a position that will allow them to get an adequate amount of oxygen.

As the heartworms accumulate in the blood stream the flow of blood to the organs and the brain is severely decreased. This can cause a dog to be lethargic and unable to function or be active without falling down or coughing. By this time a pet will also be unable to walk any distance, will not be able to run, and will need to be lifted or carried up stairs.

Immediate assistance from a vet will include x-rays and diagnosis to determine the extent of the infestation. The vet will treat the dog for several weeks with medication and treatment. Follow-up treatment is usually required for several months and the dog must be kept quite as recovery takes place. The treatment once infestation has reached the point that symptoms are visible can be very expensive.

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categories: pet,dog

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