How do dogs get heartworm

You may also notice some trouble breathing with a Class 3 diagnosis. Finally, there's Class 4, also known as caval syndrome. This occurs when there are so many worms that they block the blood flow back to your dog's heart, and it requires immediate surgery. Class 4 disease is fatal if untreated.

Not all dogs with heartworm disease develop into this stage, but it's important to identify what class a dog may be experiencing so that it doesn't potentially develop into the worst-case scenario. If you're ever concerned that your dog is experiencing any heartworm symptoms, it's important to make an appointment right away with your pet's veterinarian.

The vet will draw blood to check for the presence of a heartworm infection in your dog. If your dog is infected, he or she can then recommend medicine or surgery for treatment, depending on how ill your dog is. The good news is that there are medications your dog can take to prevent heartworm infection. Your vet can prescribe a topical agent or oral pill to be taken every month. It's important to work all year long to prevent heartworms even if there are no mosquitoes flying by in the winter , so try not to miss a dose to keep your dog safe and healthy.

With diligent prevention, you may never even have to worry, but it's always smart to be on alert for any health changes in your pets. For more information regarding heartworms you can visit the Heartworm Society website. Also, be sure to talk to your vet at your pup's next checkup about heartworm testing and prevention to ensure your pup stays as healthy as possible. Erin Ollila believes in the power of words and how a message can inform—and even transform—its intended audience. Her writing can be found all over the internet and in print, and includes interviews, ghostwriting, blog posts, and creative nonfiction.

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Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram Youtube. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool. Belgium - Belgique. Brazil - Brasil. Canada English. Costa Rica. You want to keep your dog as healthy as possible, and that means protecting your pup from the danger of heartworms.

But how do dogs get heartworm disease? Summer is here , and the warmer months could put your dog at a higher risk because heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes. Heartworms, also known as Dirofilaria immitis , are spread through mosquito bites. After an infected mosquito bites a dog, the larvae develop into adult heartworms in about six to seven months.

When a mosquito bites a dog, that mosquito may pick up some of the microfilariae and pass it on to other dogs. Heartworms can live five to seven years in a dog. Although the average number of worms in an infected dog is 15, it can range from one worm up to It's worth noting that cats can get heartworms too.

Cats are an atypical host and worms have a tougher time surviving, but it's not impossible. Here's what you should know about home remedies. Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments.

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What are the symptoms of heartworms? How is this condition diagnosed? How is this condition treated? The takeaway.

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