Canine heartworms, also known as dirofilariasis disease, can be extremely dangerous or fatal if left untreated. Heartworms are spawned from mosquitoes, which carry the parasite and infect other dogs. A veterinarian can prescribe heartworm preventatives to decrease the chances of your pet getting this disease. To restrict mosquito contact, natural methods can be used to keep these insects at bay.
Canine heartworms are dangerous parasites that live in the lung arteries and the right side of the heart in dogs. If left untreated, these long, thin parasitic worms can cause lung or heart damage, or death. Microfilaria immitis (heartworm) parasites are carried by mosquitoes. The life cycle begins by a mosquito biting an infected dog. The offspring of the heartworm, called microfilariae, begin to molt inside the mosquito, maturing into infective larvae. When the mosquito bites another dog, the microfilariae are injected under the skin, and will molt again in about 10 days. Sixty days later, the microfilariae will molt once more and begin their journey to the heart and lungs of the animal. Four months later, the parasites become adult heartworms.
Heartworms cases have been reported all around the world, including the United States. In the U.S., the heaviest concentration of heartworm reports has been in southeastern states. Dogs may show no sign of heartworm disease until the infection has become severe. Weight loss, vomiting, respiratory distress, and lethargy are classic symptoms of this disease.
Canine heartworm treatment is the best route in preventing heartworms. These preventative treatments will impede larvae from becoming adult worms. Some heartworm preventatives available from a veterinarian include daily or monthly tablets or chewables, injections every six months, or monthly topicals.
Keeping your dog indoors more will minimize mosquito contact, but is not always enough to prevent heartworms. Using non-toxic sprays or essential oils, such as geranium oil, can cut down on mosquito contact. All-natural tea tree, lavender or garlic can also be used as a mosquito repellent. Maintaining a healthy diet and immune system, and keeping regular vet checkups, can also help keep heartworms at bay.
If a dog has already been infected with heartworms, the treatment can be costly, dangerous, and painful to the animal. In advanced stages of heartworm disease, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be effective. Dogs that are already infected can receive treatments at home. But, it is best that your dog be hospitalized during canine heartworm treatment, in case caval syndrome (cardiovascular collapse) or heart failure occurs. The animal may be injected with a drug called adulticide and may need to have several treatments. During this period, heartworm preventatives should be administered to prevent re-infection.
Canine heartworm disease can be prevented. Veterinarians can prescribe medicines to avoid heartworm infection–preventing long-term damage to the heart or lungs. If your dog exhibits signs of heartworms, such as lethargy or vomiting, take them to a vet immediately. They may need special tretments to kill worms in the heart or lungs. Heartworm treatment is imperative in helping your dog live a long, healthy life.
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