Heartworms in Dogs

Archive for the ‘Information’ Category

What are heartworms?
 
These are parasites that live in dogs’ bodies. These parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes (so most of the spread happens in the summer when there’s a lot of them). They bite an infected dog and incubate the larvae in their bodies, and when they bite a healthy dog, they transfer the parasites over.
 
The parasites live off in the blodstream until they become adults. Then they move into the heart and stay there. When they grow too long, or when there’s just too many heartworms in there, the poor dog’s heart will soon give way to heart failure.

What is Heartgard?
 
Heartgard is a medicine for prevention of parasites in dogs. It’s generic name is Ivermectin/Pyrantel. Ivermectin is the component for parasites (Heartworm) while Pyrantel is the one for hookworms and ascarids (mainly worms from the digestive system). It is given once a month, with the dose depending on the weight and the breed of your pet.

Prevent Heartgard Overdose

Before giving Heartgard to your pet, it is best to go to a vet for proper assessment and dosage. The dose depends on the weight of your dog. More if he’s a larger breed and less of the medicine if he’s small. If your pet is on a prescription of Heartgard, it is best you know which signs of overdose to look out for.

Remember, Heartgard attacks the nerves of the parasite, so you need to look out for signs of neural agitation on your pets. Heartgard is also toxic for dogs who are already infected with the parasite. See it only works for the younger ones that are in your pet’s body but the heart. Once the parasites have become adults and have migrated to the dog’s heart, Heartgard will no longer work.

You could be poisoning the parasite, but you could also very well be poisoning your dog. These are the signs of impending overdose you need to watch out for
 
Disorientation.
Stumbling
Blindness

These first three are related, and are usually the first signs of overdose. The other symptoms are:

Weakness
Tremors
Vomiting
Drooling
Coma
 
If your pet shows these symptoms, you have to bring him over to your vet for proper detox.

If you notice your medicine box empty and have suspicion your pet might have taken the meds, call the animal poison hotline (ASPAC) for assistance with assessment/first aid for overdose. Although extra meds than prescribed are not good for your dog, one or two pills will not kill him. Better yet, call an emergency vet or bring him to the clinic because a dog can die quickly from overdose.

A heartworm is considered a parasitic worm. Its scientific name is Dirofilaria immitis. The parasitic worm is transmitted from one host to another via mosquito bites.

The heartworm, a kind of filaria, looks like a spaghetti noodle. This worm does not only infect animals such as dogs, cats, foxes and sea lions but also human beings. The heartworm is called as such because the last stage of its life cycle, the parasitic worm travels and stays in the heart of its host. The presence of the worm inside the heart may cause congestive heart diseases.

The parasitic worm was confined in places with southern climates but has spread all throughout the world where mosquitoes are present.

Heartworms go through several stages of life, the beginning of which requires mosquitoes. In dogs, the life cycle of the worm takes 6.5 to 7 months.

The worm is capable of bearing millions of young everyday called microfilariae. These young worms can circulate in the blood stream for two years until they are sucked in by mosquitoes where they will develop in to another stage in their life cycle. After developing inside a mosquito, the worm goes to the head of the mosquito waiting to be injected to its new host. The worm is transferred as soon as the mosquito bites its host. After being transferred, it will stay at the site where the mosquito bit the new host in order to develop again. After developing, the heartworm then moves to the muscles of the chest or the abdomen and stays there for another 45 to 60 days. Between days 75 to 120 after infection of the host, the parasitic worm enters the blood stream until it reaches the arteries of the lung.

Dogs infested with the parasite often show little symptoms. Most of the worms end up in different parts of the body such as the eyes, causing blindness. Dogs with heartworms, often living a sedentary lifestyle, age faster than those not infected as their lungs, kidneys and liver are damaged by the parasite. The most common symptoms of heartworm infestation are coughing up blood and congestive heart failure.

Blood testing is performed in patients suspected to be infested with heartworms.

Treatment of heartworms takes a long time. Efficacy of treatments depends on the time the infestation was diagnosed. Treatments to kill the adult parasitic worms are different from the treatments used to kill its young.

Heartworm is the most common disease of dogs. Severe cases of heartworm could lead to your pets death. No dogs (or cats) are safe and they are also a threat to younger ones. Heartworms can be treated by giving your pets heartworm pills. Learn more on how your pets accumulate such disease and find out how to prevent it by giving heartworm pills.

What really is a heartworm disease? How do dogs get infected with heartworm disease? Read on to find out more about this fatal disease.

Heartworms are parasites that are carried by a mosquito and inject the worms to its canine victim (though cats get infected as well but not as much as dogs). The egg-like parasites travel along the bloodstream and find its way to the heart where it stays and grows. If there are no preventions done, the parasites hibernating in their heart will continue to develop in numbers espcially if the male and femals parasites are present. Male parasites can grow as long as 17cm while the female parasites grow as long as 27cm! That is ten times longer than males. The symptoms include coughing and loss of appetite for mild infections while in severe cases, coughing, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the heart, or worst, death occurs.

Most veterinarians advice pet owners to give their dog heartworm pills even if their pets are not yet suffering from it. This preventive measure is cheap and effective. Heartworm pills can help your pet to live a longer and happier life. They are easy to take since there are heartworm pills that are flavored and they are chewable. There are some pills that protect your pet not only from heartworm but also other types of worms such as roundworms, hookworms, etc. Your pets will surely love it at the same time they get the protection they need from those deadly parasites.

As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. Prevent heartworms from taking over your pets health or worst, their life. Show how much you love your pets by giving them heartworm pills and save them from the pain it could give. Save yourself from expensive treatment this disease can bring. Heartworms are fatal if not prevented or treated earlier. Heartworm pills can help prevent these symptoms in an inexpensive way, sparing your beloved canines the pain and suffering they might experience.

Heartworm infestation afflicts most canines and some feline species the world over. It has become a major concern of owners of pet dogs and just recently, even cats. Left untreated, heartworm infestation in dogs is dangerous and often fatal.

The parasite is transmitted from one animal to the other through mosquitoes, which serve as the vector. Dogs are normally put on preventive medication, which kills off the parasites at larval stage, while they are circulating in the dog’s blood. However, adult heartworms already lodged in its heart or lungs can only be eradicated by administering a stronger dose, physically removing the parasites through surgical procedure, or just waiting a couple of years until the parasites die off.

Some pet owners have expressed some concern on the possibility of a correlation between the preventive medication, Heartgard, and infertility in the animal to which it is administered.

Considering the relative ease by which heartworms can be transmitted from one dog to another through mosquito bite, pet dogs are normally placed on preventive medication. Because of this lifetime medication, dog breeders notice that only two-thirds of breedings result in conceptions. Consequently, they feel that there is a connection between Heartgard and infertility in dogs.

Dogs are man’s best friend, and are often times considered as part of the family, too. That is why dog owners are often painfully locked in the horns of a dilemma—between wanting to put their pet on preventive medication, and at the same time dreading at the thought that their pet might lose in the process its capability to perpetuate its own specie. Concerned dog breeders always worriedly ask themselves: “Are the misses in my dog’s conception indicative of a correlation between Heartgard and infertility?”

There have been no published studies that point to a correlation between Heartgard and infertility in dogs. And it would be more reasonable to assume that these misses are simply natural failures in conception. Following this reasoning, it would be logical to think that if the preventive medication indeed causes infertility, then this would result in a total absence of conception and not just misses. Aside from dogs, it has also been determined that there is also no connection between Heartgard and infertility in other species such as cattle, horses, cats, rodents and even birds and chickens.

It is also interesting to note that ivermectin, the primary ingredient in Heartgard, is also present in broad spectrum medication that is used to treat humans of worm infestations. There have also been cases of its off label use in the treatment of scabies and mites which have proven resistant to topical applications. Because of its use as an anti-parasitic agent in humans, the World Health Organization conducted laboratory tests on ivermectin and have found no conclusive evidence linking ivermectin, the primary ingredient in Heartgard, and infertility in humans.

Because of a desire to purchase medicine quickly, some pet owners end up looking for no prescription Heartgard. However, by examining the facts, you will understand why this option is exceedingly rare and just not advisable.

Prescription drugs, of course, are those that you buy from the drugstore with a form certifying that it was recommended by a doctor, or in the case of Heartgard products, a vet. In most cases, you can purchase the needed medication at the vet clinic. They often keep stock so that you don’t have to go to the trouble of finding the drug at a pharmacy.

A no prescription drug, on the other hand, can be bought over the counter. Although there are some medications for dogs that are no prescription, most of the advanced ones like Heartgard are prescription based. The reason for this is due to the fact that there are a number of procedures that need to be undertaken before the application of the medication.

One reason why no prescription Heartgard is not practical is because, to protect your pet dog fully, the vet has to make sure that it is not currently infected. If you apply it with some heartworms present, the efficiency of the drug will be limited. In some cases it may even result in adverse effects on the animal.

This is the main reason why no prescription Heartgard is difficult to get; in order to make the most of the product, you need to work with your vet. The doctor will have to conduct several blood tests and other examinations. Once your pet has been given a clean bill of health, you will be able to administer the product with no need to worry about it not working properly.

Another thing that you should consider with these products is that in case you do find a no prescription Heartgard, you have to ask yourself how effective it is, or even if it is genuine. Even the generic versions of Heartgard (Nuheart) are prescription based. In your desire to get medication more quickly, it might end up costing you more if you give your pet fake drugs.

In the end, the reason why people want to get a no prescription Heartgard is to speed up the process and that is not the way to properly take care of your pet. You should just let the vet do the proper tests, and then make the purchase as directed by the vet. By following the process, you will be giving your pet the care that it deserves.

Heartworm is a common parasite in dogs, cats, and sometimes, even human beings. Heartworm is a form of roundworm; with the scientific name Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted from one host to another through mosquitoes. The hosts of the heartworm parasite are the mammals infected, while the mosquito is labeled as a vector.

Mosquitoes are not infected by the heartworm parasite. They only carry the infective stage of heartworm to a new host, which it then infects.

The parasite is known as the heartworm because at its final stage of development, the parasite migrates to the heart of the host, and stays there for up to several years. Having the heartworm parasite in the heart of the host will cause congestive heart failure in the host leading to the host’s death.

Heartworm can be very fatal to dogs. If the parasite was not removed, it can kill the host. In some cases, the adult stage of the heartworm parasite has to be removed from the host through surgery. During the surgery, the heartworm is removed from the right atrium of the heart.

To prevent the development of heartworm in the host, a treatment of Ivermectin, the most popular brand name known is Heartgard, is given for a period of one year. Ivermectin is effective against the larval forms of the heartworm parasite and keeps the parasite from multiplying and developing into the adult stage. Ivermectin kills the heartworm parasite by damaging it’s nervous and muscle system, thus, causing the parasite’s death.

Before Ivermectin is administered to the host, a blood test should be done first to determine if the host is really infected with heartworm. Upon confirming a positive result, it also has to be determined if the adult forms of heartworm are already present. If so, treatment with Ivermectin may not start until the adult heartworms were eradicated from the host’s system.

It is important that the dog be tested immediate upon suspected infection with heartworm due to mosquito bite. During the first six months of infection, the dog may not show signs of the heartworm infection. It is also possible that the heartworm larvae, instead of going to the host’s heart, migrate to the eyes, an artery or the brain. The heartworms may also damage some vital organs including the kidney, the liver and the lungs.

This is the reason that as early as possible, you have to bring your dog to a veterinarian to be checked for heartworm. At later stages, the heartworm infection becomes more difficult to treat.

Because you need to give the medication throughout the dog’s lifetime, you should use all means necessary to get the best Heartgard discount possible. Here are a few things that you might want to consider.

First you need to dispel the myth about discounted products in general. Some people prefer not to get a Heartgard discount, thinking that if there is such an offer, it is because the product being sold is near expiration or old stock. That is not the case at all. The reason why there are so many discounts available in stores (both land based and online) is because of competition. With stores virtually side by side, they will try their best to get you to buy from their shop, so they give out the discounts.

One of the simplest ways to get the best Heartgard discount possible is by keeping an eye out for promos and giveaways by the store. If there is a new shop in your area (or on the Web), it will try to draw attention by giving away their products at reduced prices. Because it is new, you can be sure that the store has taken pains to ensure that the product they offer is top notch.

As to the question of whether it is better to get a Heartgard discount from the Web or in a land based store, the answer is, it really depends. Most prefer to purchase on the Web, as it is simply a point and click affair.

However the discount that you get from the site will be constant, regardless if you are a regular customer or a new one; if you are a regular customer at a land based store, and on friendly terms with the owner, you might get bigger discounts. It might also be easier to get in touch with the vendor in case there is a problem with the product you bought, instead of waiting for an email response.

Another tip for getting a Heartgard discount is through the vet’s clinic. It pays to stick to one pet doctor for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that when they have special promos, they will offer them first to the most loyal clients. You are also assured of the quality of the medication that you get, as it comes straight from the doctor.

Although the competition has grown to such an extent that a Heartgard discount is no longer that hard to find, you must exert some effort in locating the best suited one for you. The hard work will pay off, both in terms of handing your pet the protection it should get, and also getting the best value for your money.

Administering medications to dogs can be quite difficult. Sometimes, no matter how the dog trusts you, giving medications is still not that easy. Included in these medications is Heartgard for dogs, which is very necessary to prevent worm infection.

There are some things you need to keep in mind when giving Heartgard for dogs to maximize the effects of the medication.

When giving Heartgard for dogs, the dog has to swallow the tablet. A Heartgard for dogs tablet is considered as a single dose. Many dogs aren’t that easy to give medications to. To encourage your pet to take Heartgard for dogs, you may wrap the tablet into food that your dog loves to eat.

As much as possible, it is better to put the whole Heartgard for dogs tablet into the dog’s food. Pulverizing or mixing the Heartgard for dogs tablet with a liquid is not encouraged. This may cause losing part of the dose, especially if the dog did not finish its meal.

When administering Heartgard for dogs, observe the dog so that you can make sure that your dog has finished the complete dose. Also observe if part of the Heartgard for dogs tablet was not swallowed. Sometimes, if your not looking, your dog also buries its food. Make sure that your dog does not do this to his Heartgard for dogs dose.

If you notice that part of the Heartgard for dogs dose was lost, you may have to administer an amount equal to the lost dose.

Heartgard for dogs has to be administered monthly for one year. You have to do this especially during the season when mosquitoes are most active. These mosquitoes act as vectors that carry the heartworm larvae that infect our dogs.

The first dose of Heartgard for dogs should be given within thirty days after the dog had its first exposure to the mosquitoes. The last dose of Heartgard for dogs should be given within thirty days from the dog’s last exposure to the vectors.

Following these steps are necessary in order to make sure that the dog has the maximum efficiency of Heartgard for dogs. If a complete dose of Heartgard for dogs was not given, it is possible that the heartworm infection may not be completely removed from the dogs system. This is also true if the required medication period for Heartgard for dogs was not followed. Administer Heartgard for dogs for twelve months so that your dog will remain safe from heartworm infections.

No responsible pet owner opts for cheap medication for their dogs, but if you can get a good product for a lower price, then there’s nothing wrong with that. With that in mind, you should take into account your options for getting Heartgard Plus discounts.

There are actually several methods available for you, but perhaps the best and easiest way of getting Heartgard Plus discounts is by buying directly from the vet. Prior to giving the medication, your pet must be taken to the vet so appropriate tests can be performed to ensure that the right doses are given.

vOnce you are handed the prescription, you will be given the option of buying from the counter or from the clinic itself. In most cases it is better to purchase directly from the latter because they usually offer Heartgard Plus discounts. Sometimes you may have to ask the vet if there is a discount, but most of the time, they will be the ones who will make the offer.

Other means of getting Heartgard Plus discounts is through the Internet. Just enter the appropriate keywords in a search engine, and you will get a large number of results. There will be countless online vendors and stores offering discounts. With the ease (and security) with which you can now purchase online, getting the right product at the right price will be easier.

Of course you can also look for Heartgard Plus discounts at your local department store. However, this can take more time, because you have to go from store to store to compare prices. Online, price comparisons are easier to do.

That last point is something that a lot of people looking for the best Heartgard Plus discount deals often do not consider. They just go for the first hit the search engine generates. However, there might be better deals out there, so take your time and compare the prices. Also take into account any additional expenses, such as shipping (in case you want to buy in bulk).

Caution should be exercised of course, when looking for Heartgard Plus discounts. Make sure that the store is reputable, especially if the price is too low compared with the others. Do some background checking and carefully read the payment methods. If you are buying from a land based store, check the expiration date and if the package is still sealed.

There’s nothing wrong with getting Heartgard Plus discounts as long as the vendor is legitimate. You not only get to shield your pet from deadly parasites, but you also get to protect yourself too, from paying exorbitant amounts.

If you are looking over the budget you use on pet medication and think you are spending too much, you might want to look at the different ways you can get hold of the best price for Heartgard Plus. Here are some of the options available for you.

One of the most ideal places to look for the best price for Heartgard Plus is the Web. With the increasing number of online pet stores, the competition has driven down costs. While this is certainly good for consumers and pet owners like you, it can be difficult trying to navigate through all of them.

Instead of making a list and checking them out one by one, you should go to forums instead. There are discussion groups on the Internet devoted to pet care and medication, and you should take advantage of this. Post a question about where you can get the best price for Heartgard Plus, and you will get some very helpful answers. You will also likely get tips as to which sites to avoid, and those that overcharge.

Of course you can also ask your friends and colleagues. If you know someone who has a pet or two, you can be certain he or she knows a little bit about getting best price for Heartgard Plus. If you don’t want to go to the trouble of posting messages on the Net or asking around, you can just buy it from the vet. In a lot of instances, you will probably get a good deal anyway.

Here is another tip that you might want to consider when thinking of getting the best price for Heartgard Plus: consider buying in bulk, or several packs. A lot of stores, both live and online, offer discounts when you purchase more boxes. Since the best way to protect your pet is by administering the drug on a continuous basis, you might as well get a bundle.

If you are going to purchase several packs on the Internet, consider the different kinds of discounts on offer (in case you haven’t asked anyone on the Web). The price disparity may be quite substantial among different sites, so a little looking around will be in order.

As you can see there are several ways you can get hold of the best price for Heartgard Plus. All it takes is a little bit of homework and research, and you’ll be able to get the best deals possible.