What are Heartworms?
You might’ve heard of heartworms before, especially if you’re a dog owner. They’re not some kind of metaphorical ‘worms of affection’, but a serious health concern for your furry friend. Heartworms are a type of parasitic roundworms that live in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected animals. They’re spread via mosquitoes, making your backyard a potential danger zone.
How Heartworms Infect Dogs
Imagine a mosquito, the unwitting carrier of heartworm larvae, feasting on an infected animal. The mosquito collects the larvae and when it next bites an unsuspecting dog, it deposits these invaders into the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, these larvae mature into adult heartworms over about six months. They then lodge themselves in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, beginning to reproduce.
Symptoms of Heartworm Infection
As a caregiver, you are likely to be the first to notice if something is wrong with your dog. Here are some symptoms you should look out for:
- Mild persistent cough
- Fatigue after moderate activity
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
In severe cases, dogs can suffer heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.
Preventing and Treating Heartworms
Prevention, as they say, is better than cure. This rings especially true for heartworms. Preventative medications are available and are an essential part of dog care. These usually come in the form of pills or topical liquids applied to the skin.
If your dog becomes infected, treatment can be a long and costly process. It involves an arsenic-based drug injected into the dog to kill the adult worms. Due to the risk of dead worms causing a blockage in the dog’s system, the dog must be kept calm and quiet for several months after treatment.
| Prevention | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Routine medication | Arsenic-based drug |
| Regular vet visits | Long recovery time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can heartworms be passed from dogs to humans?
A: No, heartworms cannot be passed from dogs to humans. They are primarily spread by mosquitoes.
Q: Are some dogs more susceptible to heartworms than others?
A: All dogs are susceptible to heartworms, regardless of breed or age. However, dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors are at a higher risk.
Q: What is the best way to prevent heartworms?
A: The best way to prevent heartworms is to give your dog preventative medication year-round and to have them tested annually.
Remember, you are your dog’s first line of defense against illness. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure they live a long, healthy life.
