Heartworms in Dogs

Because they pose a serious threat, all dog owners should be aware of heartworm symptoms. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal. These parasites can paralyze the heart and kill the animal suddenly and without warning.

Signs and Indicators

The symptoms of this disease may not appear until it is in the latter stages. For this reason it is important the dog gets a regular checkup with the vet. The most conspicuous symptom is coughing. The cough will be dry and soft.

When dogs get this cough, it is sign the parasites have found their way into the lungs. Apart from coughing, the dog will exhibit no interest in exercise or play.

The dog will prefer to stay in one corner. Their appetite will decrease and sleep in the doghouse (if it has one). Other symptoms that may manifest include wheezing, vomiting, breathing difficulties and diarrhea. As the condition worsens, the rib cage swells up and the stools become bloody.

Not all of these symptoms will appear and that is what makes diagnosis difficult. Coughing, the most common sign of the illness, could easily be mistaken for ordinary cough.

How Heartworm is Transmitted

The most common method is by mosquitoes. For this reason, dogs outside the house are more prone to infection. When the parasites get into the body, they move into the heart as well as the other major organs in the body.

Their major targets are the veins connected to the heart. From there, they will move on to the liver and the lungs. Eventually the organs will cease to function and kill the animal.

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to battle this disease is to prevent it. There are several medications you can give your pet. When you take the dog to the vet for its monthly check up, ask for medication to protect the animal from heartworm and other diseases.

Read the instructions on the package and follow it. Give only the recommended dosages. These medications are preventive in nature; do not wait for the heartworm symptoms to appear before you administer the medication.

There are also vaccines against this disease. They are administered monthly by the vet. The vaccine works by eliminating the parasite larvae. Some of the drugs used are melarsomine dihydrochloride and thiacetarsamide sodium. A clean environment, together with regular checkup, will give your dog a better chance against the disease.

Keep Mosquitoes Away

Keep your yard and garden clean. Remove any dirty water that has accumulated. Mosquitoes are attracted by a damp environment, so keep the garden clean. The same goes for inside the house.

Do not assume that just because the dog is in the house it is safe. It is particularly important that you keep your house and surroundings clean especially after rain.

Because the heartworm symptoms are so common, it is vital that you are aware of the treatments and how it can be prevented. Even with the various drugs available, nothing is guaranteed. For this reason, knowledge is very important.

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