What are Heartworms?
Heartworms are a serious and potentially fatal disease in pets, particularly dogs. They are foot-long worms (hence the name) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body.
How Dogs Get Infected
Dogs become infected with heartworms by being bitten by an infected mosquito. There’s no other way dogs get heartworm disease.
- Mosquito bites an infected animal: A mosquito bites an infected dog, fox, coyote, or wolf and ingests immature heartworms.
- Mosquito bites another animal: The mosquito then bites another dog, cat, or susceptible wild animal.
- The infected mosquito transmits the heartworms to the animal.
The heartworms then mature, mate, and produce offspring while living inside the dog.
The Life Cycle of Heartworms
The life cycle of heartworms is complex and involves several stages:
–Stage 1: The mosquito ingests the heartworm larvae, known as microfilariae, by biting an infected dog.
–Stage 2: Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into infective larvae.
–Stage 3: This mosquito then bites another dog, transferring the infective larvae to it.
–Stage 4: The infective larvae mature into adult heartworms in about six months.
–Stage 5: The adult heartworms mate and the females release their offspring into the dog’s bloodstream, completing the life cycle.
Symptoms and Treatment
Heartworm disease is not only hard to detect in the early stages, but it’s also costly and difficult to treat. Some common symptoms include:
- Mild persistent cough
- Reluctance to exercise
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
As for the treatment, it’s a complex process that can cause serious complications and even prove fatal. It’s best to consult your vet for the appropriate course of action.
| Stage | Description | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | Few symptoms, if any | Antiparasitic medications |
| Moderate | Cough, tiredness, etc. | Antiparasitic medications + possibly surgery |
| Severe | Weight loss, heart failure | Hospitalization, surgery, extensive veterinary care |
Preventing Heartworms
Preventing heartworm disease is much simpler, safer, and cheaper than treating it. There are a number of heartworm preventatives available, and your vet can recommend the best one for your dog.
- Regular vet check-ups
- Heartworm preventative medications
- Mosquito control
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can humans get heartworms from their dogs?
A: It’s extremely rare, but yes, humans can get heartworms.
Q: Can my dog get heartworms even though they’re on preventative medication?
A: It is rare, but possible. No preventative is 100% effective.
Q: Are some dog breeds more susceptible to heartworms than others?
A: Heartworm disease has been reported in all dog breeds.
Q: Is heartworm disease the same everywhere?
A: No, the prevalence and type of heartworm disease may vary from one region to another.
Q: How often should my dog be tested for heartworms?
A: The American Heartworm Society recommends annual testing for all dogs.
Remember, it’s always better to prevent than to treat, especially something as serious as heartworm disease. Keep your furry friend safe by keeping up with their heartworm preventatives and regular vet check-ups.
