| Signs
of heartworm disease
Clinical signs of heartworm disease include: • Coughing |
|
Heartworm Disease
Canine heartworm disease is a potentially fatal problem affecting dogs in all 50 states. The disease is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, and transmitted by mosquitoes. Your dog is infected when it is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae known as microfilariae. The developing larvae eventually enter the bloodstream and migrate to the dog's heart. Adult heartworms begin producing their own microfilariae offspring about seven months after infection.
| Signs
of heartworm disease
Clinical signs of heartworm disease include: • Coughing |
|
If you see these signs in your
pet, see your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian will conduct a blood
test and, if heartworms are present, begin treatment.
The treatment itself is not without risks. The best way to protect your dog from
heartworm disease is to ask your veterinarian for a heartworm preventative.
Adult heartworms can live in a dog's heart for several years and grow up to a foot long. Eventually, they can cause serious heart, lung, liver and kidney problems, and even death.
Is your dog at risk?
1. Does your dog spend more than a few minutes a day outdoors?
2. If your dog is currently on a monthly heartworm preventative, do you ever miss a dose by more than 30 days?
3. Is your dog ever exposed to mosquitoes?
If you answered yes to one or more questions, your dog is at risk for deadly heartworm disease!
Click on one of the links below to find out about the heartworm preventions available.
