Dog Heartworms
Dog
Heartworms
Heartworms
are a potentially deadly dangerous disease which is highly preventable.
The worms affect the heart and adjacent blood vessels, the lungs,
and take a real toll on the pet. They cause damage to tissues, which
can lead to congestive heart failure and death.
Transmitted
by mosquitoes, heartworms are a particular threat in the spring
when billions of mosquito eggs hatch. The mosquito got infected
by biting another dog that already had heartworms.
Dog
Heartworm Symptoms
The main symptom of heartworm disease in the dog is coughing, but
there are no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced.
Then the symptoms are those of congestive heart failure: dull coat,
lack of energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, perhaps fainting
spells, and an enlarged abdomen. Waiting for symptoms to develop
and then treating is not a realistic alternative to prevention.
In small dogs even a few worms can cause a big problem.
Dog
Heartworm Treatment
The good news is that heartworm disease is preventable. All it takes
is one inexpensive, easy-to-apply oral or topical treatment given
every month throughout the year. Talk to your veterinarian about
heartworm disease, and follow their recommendations. Preventive
medicine is really the key.
Some
of the medications used include Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, Sentinel,
Revolution, and Iverhart Plus.
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Worms
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