Heartworm - beware and care for your dog!
One of the most devastating parasites to our dogs are heartworms. With the Spring season just around the corner, it is important to begin your annual heartworm routine or continue as you have been all year with preventative heartworm medication.
Heartworm disease is a serious and sometimes deadly condition that is caused by parasitic worms that live in the arteries, lungs and sometimes the right side of the heart of dogs, cats and other animals which can be subject to mosquito bites, as that is how the parasite is transmitted. According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states but the severity or occurrence of heartworm disease varies by state and region, with the highest number of cases occurring in the southeastern states.
Without getting too technical or medical, female adult heartworms release their young into an animal’s bloodstream. These “young” are then picked up by mosquitos and infected with the parasite. They pass this parasite onto other animals, when they bite to feed on them. Once the young or “microfilariare” are in the animal, it takes about 6-7 months for it to mature into an actual heartworm and cause damage to the dog. The “microfilariare” cannot mature into the adult heartworms we all dread, without first passing through the mosquito.
Usually dogs recently infected will show little signs of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, the dog might have a mild but persistent cough, reduced appetite, fatigue, weight loss and exhibit a general malaise. Your dog can be tested for heartworm through various bloodtests or though ultrasound or x-ray images of the lungs and heart.
The prevention of heartworm in your dog is easy, safe and not costly. There are daily as well as monthly tablets, chewables or topical prevention means that can be used. The usage of your preventative medication should be discussed with your veterinarian. In areas of the country where mosquitos live year round, prevention medications are usually commonplace for the entire year. In some areas of the country, heartworm preventative measures are used only in the peak months, such as May through December. However, I have noticed that since the seasons in my area are not as cold as they had once been and have prolonged periods of warmer weather during the winter months, many vets are suggesting year round prevention for the dogs. Don’t wait!!! The dog days of summer will be upon us soon, and your heartworm prevention regime should begin long before that!!!
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