All About Dog Heartworms

Author: Colby

What Causes Heartworms?

Heartworms in dogs is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria Immitis. Heartworm disease was once considered to be contained to the southern United States, but now every state in the continental US has cases of heartworm disease.

What Are Heartworms?

Dog heartworm disease is a very deadly but easily preventable infection in dogs. Parasitic worms grow inside the chambers of your dog's heart and large blood vessels. If dog heartworm is untreated it can become serious and even result in death. In serious cases where death occurs, the worms build up so much that blood flow is blocked to and from the heart.

Prevent Dog Heartworms

Heartworm Dog Medicine is readily available to treat heartworms. You can protect your dog against heartworm disease by giving them dog heartworm medicine such as Heartgard Plus, Interceptor, and Sentiniel. You should consult with your veteranrian before starting any heartworm medications.

How Is Dog Heartworm Spead?

Heartworm disease is carried through mosquito's, and is the only known insect to transmit the disease. The parasite can enter a mosquito when it bites a dog that is infected. The parasites eggs can mature into larvae within 28 days. When an infected mosquito bites a dog the larvae enter the body and migrate to the dogs heart. Once the larvae are inside the heart they can reproduce within 7 months of the infection.

Year Round Treatment

Most veterinarians will advice you to administer dog heartworm medicine year round. Several heartworm medications have additional protection from intestinal parasites. It is also much more convenient to give the medicine to your dog consistently year round rather than choose a start and stop date for the medicine.

Seasonal Treatment

If you prefer to administer dog heartworm medication seasonally you must research your regions mosquito season. Since heartworm parasites are spread through mosquitos it is wise to treat your dog when the mosquito season is in effect. If you are using oral medicines you should begin medication when mosquitoes first start appearing. Daily medications should be administered prior to mosquitoes appearing. You should talk to your veterinarian about when to start and stop medications.

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - All About Dog Heartworms