Understanding Heartworms
Heartworm is a type of parasitic worm, Dirofilaria immitis, that affects dogs and other animals. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial for you to understand this deadly disease and how to prevent it.
Heartworms are spread through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up microscopic baby worms, which mature into larvae over a period of 10 to 14 days. When the infected mosquito bites another animal, the larvae are deposited onto the surface of the animal’s skin and enter the new host through the mosquito’s bite wound.
The Life Cycle of Heartworms
- Infection: The microscopic heartworm larvae enter a dog’s body through a mosquito bite.
- Development: Over about six months, the larvae grow into adult heartworms.
- Maturity: Adult heartworms lodge in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin reproducing.
- Spread: Female heartworms release their offspring into the dog’s bloodstream, where they can be picked up by mosquitos and spread to other animals.
The Impact of Heartworms on Your Dog’s Health
Heartworm disease can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs, and arteries. The severity of the disease depends on:
- The number of heartworms present
- The duration of the infestation
- The response of the host (the dog)
Your dog might experience a range of symptoms, from mild coughing and fatigue to more severe complications like heart failure.
Preventing Heartworm Disease
It’s far easier and cheaper to prevent heartworm disease than to treat it.
- Year-round prevention: There are several FDA-approved heartworm preventatives available, including monthly tablets and chewable, injections, and topicals.
- Regular testing: It’s recommended to get your dog tested for heartworms annually, even if they’re on prevention.
| Method | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Heartworm Preventative | Monthly | $5 – $15 |
| Heartworm Test | Annually | $30 – $50 |
Treating Heartworm Disease
If your dog is diagnosed with heartworms, treatment must be started as soon as possible. The goal is to first stabilize your dog if he is showing signs of disease, then kill all adult and immature worms while keeping the side effects to a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can heartworms be transmitted from dogs to humans?
No, heartworms are not directly transmissible from dogs to humans.
2. Why do I need to give my dog heartworm preventatives all year long?
Some mosquitos can survive through the winter, and heartworm prevention treatment also protects your dog against other parasites.
3. Is heartworm disease painful for dogs?
Yes, heartworm disease can cause significant discomfort and illness for dogs.
4. Is heartworm disease curable?
Yes, if caught early, heartworm disease can be treated, though the process might be lengthy and expensive.
5. Can cats get heartworms too?
Yes, cats can also get heartworms, but they are not as susceptible as dogs.
