Many people believe that heartworms are an infestation that dogs can catch from other dogs or from eating things off the ground that have been infected. This is not the case. Heartworms are caused by mosquitoes who carry the larvae of heartworms and infect the dog when they bite it. When heartworm symptoms in dogs becomes noticable the dog usually has had the infestation for a long period of time.
There are many steps we take on a yearly basis to assure that our dogs remain healthy. Many people take their pets in for an annual check-up which includes getting any vaccinations that are due, having the teeth cleaned, and other tasks that a veterinarian must perform.
Adding treatment for heartworm should be included in this yearly check-up. The medicines available to prevent heartworm in a dog are affordable and come in topical creams, pills, or shots that are given yearly. Using these treatments assures that a pet will not be infected by a mosquito bite.
Heartworms are more prevalent in any area where there is standing water and mosquitoes live. While heartworm parasites cannot be transmitted from dog to dog they will generally both become infected because they are in the same location and being bit by mosquitoes.
An infestation is fully manifested by the type heartworm symptoms in dogs become visible. Heartworms can live in the bloodstream of a dog, attacking organs throughout the body, for several years with no visible symptoms. By the time the symptoms do begin to appear the dog is ill and needs to see a vet immediately.
When the heartworms begin to clog the heart of a dog it will often begin to have severe coughing spells. In most cases the coughing will lead to a gasping for air and the dog may lose consciousness.
With the infestation in the lungs the ability for a dog to produce oxygen that they need is greatly reduced. This causes many dogs to have shortness of breathe and sound very raspy when they breathe.
As the heartworms accumulate in the blood stream the flow of blood to the organs and the brain is severely decreased. This can cause a dog to be lethargic and unable to function or be active without falling down or coughing. By this time a pet will also be unable to walk any distance, will not be able to run, and will need to be lifted or carried up stairs.
Heartworm symptoms in dogs that has become visible and noticeable to the owner is an indication that they have a severe infestation. Along with the heartworm infestation most pets also have other infections that result from the inability of their bodies to fight off infection. The treatment for these symptoms involves several trips to the vet for medication and treatment. Following treatment a dog must be kept quiet for several months and checked regularly until the infestation has been destroyed and they can return to health. - 29953
There are many steps we take on a yearly basis to assure that our dogs remain healthy. Many people take their pets in for an annual check-up which includes getting any vaccinations that are due, having the teeth cleaned, and other tasks that a veterinarian must perform.
Adding treatment for heartworm should be included in this yearly check-up. The medicines available to prevent heartworm in a dog are affordable and come in topical creams, pills, or shots that are given yearly. Using these treatments assures that a pet will not be infected by a mosquito bite.
Heartworms are more prevalent in any area where there is standing water and mosquitoes live. While heartworm parasites cannot be transmitted from dog to dog they will generally both become infected because they are in the same location and being bit by mosquitoes.
An infestation is fully manifested by the type heartworm symptoms in dogs become visible. Heartworms can live in the bloodstream of a dog, attacking organs throughout the body, for several years with no visible symptoms. By the time the symptoms do begin to appear the dog is ill and needs to see a vet immediately.
When the heartworms begin to clog the heart of a dog it will often begin to have severe coughing spells. In most cases the coughing will lead to a gasping for air and the dog may lose consciousness.
With the infestation in the lungs the ability for a dog to produce oxygen that they need is greatly reduced. This causes many dogs to have shortness of breathe and sound very raspy when they breathe.
As the heartworms accumulate in the blood stream the flow of blood to the organs and the brain is severely decreased. This can cause a dog to be lethargic and unable to function or be active without falling down or coughing. By this time a pet will also be unable to walk any distance, will not be able to run, and will need to be lifted or carried up stairs.
Heartworm symptoms in dogs that has become visible and noticeable to the owner is an indication that they have a severe infestation. Along with the heartworm infestation most pets also have other infections that result from the inability of their bodies to fight off infection. The treatment for these symptoms involves several trips to the vet for medication and treatment. Following treatment a dog must be kept quiet for several months and checked regularly until the infestation has been destroyed and they can return to health. - 29953
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