Heartworms in Dogs

Heartworm is a filarial parasite caused by the species Dirofilaria immitis. The heartworm parasite appears like a threadworm that infects dogs, cats and other mammals through mosquito bites.

When a mosquito has bitten into a dog or cat, which is infected with heartworm, the heartworm microfilariae comes with the blood sucked by the mosquito. The heartworm microfilariae develop into the larval forms in the gut of the mosquito. This development can take two to six weeks depending on the environmental conditions. The heartworm larval forms then migrate to the mosquito’s head, ready to be injected to the next mosquito bite victim.

Heartworm can damage the dog’s heart leading to congestive heart failure. In rare cases, heartworms may also infect the other organs in the body, such as the lungs, the liver, the kidneys and even the brain. Due to the damage that heartworm can do to the body, it is important that steps on heartworm prevention should be taken.

Heartworm prevention can be done by reducing your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes. As much as possible, never allow your dog to sleep outside the house where it is more vulnerable to mosquito bites. Also, provide appropriate shelter for your dog when it stays in the yard.

Playing is an important part of a dog’s day. This helps the dog exercise its muscles. As a step in heartworm prevention, make sure that the areas in which your dog loves to play are not the same places where mosquitoes breed. Stagnant waters are mosquito breeding grounds. Keep your dog away from these places.

If you suspect that a mosquito bit your dog or if your dog has been exposed to mosquitoes, take the next step in heartworm prevention. Have your dog tested for heartworm infection in order to start heartworm prevention through drug administration the soonest time possible.

Heartworm prevention is easier if no adult forms of the parasite are present yet. Administration of Ivermectin, known commercially as Heartgard, is the best method of larval heartworm prevention. However, administration of this drug may not be done yet if adult forms are already present. If there are adult heartworms, eliminating them should be the immediate step in heartworm prevention prior to Ivermectin administration.

A continuous treatment of Heartgard every thirty days for twelve months will lead to successful heartworm prevention. Follow the recommended dosage strictly and administer the drug on time. These steps will keep your dog safe from heartworm infection.

Familiarizing With the Common Heartworm Treatments If you suspect that heartworms infected your dog, heartworm treatment should be done as early as possible. Early heartworm treatment will prevent severe damages to the dog's organs....

Things You Need to Know About Heartworm Heartworm is a parasitic infection common to dogs. Like other worms, heartworm can cause fatal damage to the dog, or even kill it, if the infection is left untreated....

Understanding Heartworm Disease Heartworm disease is one of the common causes of organ failure in dogs. The basics of the infection will help the person understand how to protect and save his dog from...

The Treatment Process of Heartworm in Dogs Treating heartworm in dogs requires that the dog is in good health. There are things that have to be checked before the treatment of heartworm in dogs can begin....

Sentinel Heartworm Prevention Medicine The multifunctional performance of Sentinel heartworm medicine in preventing heartworm, intestinal parasites infestation and flea and ticks among dogs is a delightful treat for your dogs. The Sentinel heartworm prevention medicine...