Dogs and Heartworms

Author: je Dunn

It is surprising how many people are still confused about heartworms and the effects that a heartworm can have on

your dog.

First lets look at what heartworms are and how your dog can become infected.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes into the dog's blood stream. The immature heartworms called microfilaria

travel through the blood stream.

The microfilaria settle into the heart chambers and major pulmonary blood vessels. This causes a blockage of the

blood flow and pathological changes to the surrounding tissues.

This blockage happens when the larvae grow into adult worms. An adult female heartworm can grow up to fourteen

inches and can live as long as five years.

A female heartworm can produce thousands of microfilariae, which is transmitted into a mosquito when it bites an

infected dog, and subsequently injected into the next dog that that mosquito dines on.

What Are The Signs That A Dog May Have Heartworms?

ØUsually the first system is weight loss. The dogs' hair may become dull and brittle.

ØThe infected dog also may tier easily.

ØA persistent coughs and or labored breathing.

ØIn more progressed cases victims may vomit blood from ruptured lungs.

If the disease is not prevented or caught in time the result will be a slow painful death from congestive heart

failure.

What Do I Do If My Dog Is Infected?

Treatment is available but it can cost hundreds of dollars, and may be ineffective depending on the degree of

infestation.

The best defense against heartworms is routine checkups with your vet. Giving your dog heartworm medication once

a month easily prevents heartworms.

Warning: You Must Have Your Dog Tested For Heartworms Before Starting Heartworm Medication!

Articles

Reading Labels
Reading Labels is an essential part of any weight loss program. Being able to clearly identify key c...

Shark Bay- Where the Dugongs Play!
Don't let the name conjure up images of deadly, man-eating predators in your mind and prevent you vi...

How to get competitive advantage at internet marketing
This article focuses on methods to gain an advantage over online competition and other businesses.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying Small Business Accounting Software
The world of small business accounting software can be a minefield for any business owner. However c...

Home of 2bucks an Ad
The majority of Internet marketers are working within a fairly tight budget, and very likely, you ar...

Don’t Let a Piece of Paper Spoil Your Vacation
A vacation is one of the most eagerly awaited event on many a calendar. Some save for years to trave...

Instant Cashflow! How To Immediately Create a
With these economic downtimes among us, it sometimes feels like we are very overworked, and underpai...