Dogs are the most common pet in the United States, and for good reason—they’re loyal, lovable, and make great companions. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be aware of the Symptoms Of Heartworms In Dogs.
so you can get them treated if necessary. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it’s important to know what to look for. This blog post will discuss the symptoms of heartworms in dogs
How Many Types Of Heartworms Found In Dog Breeds:
Heartworm is a type of parasite that is spread by mosquitoes. It can cause serious health problems in dogs.
There are three types of dog heartworms:
1. Dirofilaria immitis:
This is the most common type of heartworm. Dogs can become infected with it when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
2. Dirofilaria repens:
This type of heartworm is found in Europe and Asia. Dogs can become infected with it when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
3. Acanthocheilonema reconditum:
This is a rare type of heartworm that is found in the United States. Dogs can become infected with it when they are bitten by an infected mosquito.
How Do Dogs Get Heart Worms:
Dogs can get heartworms in one of two ways:
1. By Being Bitten By An Infected Mosquito:
Dogs can become infected with heartworms when they are bitten by an infected mosquito. The mosquito can transfer the heartworm larvae from an infected dog to a healthy dog.
2. From Their Mothers:
Dogs can also get heartworms from their mothers. If the mother dog is infected with heartworms, the larvae can be passed to her puppies.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heartworms In Dogs:
Symptoms of heartworm can vary depending on the dog’s age, health, and the number of worms present. They can range from mild to severe.
Mild Symptoms Include:
1. Coughing:
Dogs with heartworms may cough due to the pressure of the worms on the lungs.
2. Exercise intolerance:
Dogs with heartworms may become tired more easily than normal, due to the strain of the worms on their hearts.
3. Weight loss:
Dogs with heartworms may lose weight because they are not getting the nutrients they need.
4. Wheezing:
Dogs with heartworms may wheeze due to the obstruction of the airways by the worms.
5. Enlarged Liver Or Spleen:
Dogs with heartworms may have an enlarged liver or spleen due to the accumulation of fluid around the heart and lungs.
More Severe Symptoms Include:
1. Collapse:
If a dog has a large number of heartworms, it may collapse due to heart failure.
2. Enlarged Heart:
Heartworms can cause the dog’s heart to become enlarged. This can lead to other health problems, such as difficulty breathing and exercise intolerance.
3. Congestive Heart Failure:
If the dog’s heart is severely damaged by the heartworms, it may go into congestive heart failure. This can cause fluid to build up in the dog’s lungs, abdomen, and legs.
4. Death:
The most serious complication of heartworm disease is death. If a dog has a large number of worms, or if its heart is severely damaged, it may die as a result of the infection.
5. Bleeding:
Heartworms can also cause abnormal bleeding, due to the damage they do to the dog’s blood vessels.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Getting Heart Worms:
There are several ways that you can prevent your dog from getting heartworms:
1. Have Your Dog Tested For Heartworms On A Regular Basis:
Your veterinarian can test your dog for heartworms and recommend a treatment plan if your dog is infected.
2. Use Preventive Medications:
There are several types of preventive medications that can be used to protect dogs from heartworm infection, including monthly tablets, yearly injections, and topical products.
3. Control The Mosquito Population:
Mosquitoes are the main carrier of heartworm larvae. You can reduce the risk of your dog getting heartworms by controlling the mosquito population in your area.
This can be done by using insect repellent, removing standing water from your yard, and keeping your dog inside during peak mosquito hours (dusk and dawn).
Risk Factors Of Untreated Dog Having Heartworms:
There are several risks factors for an untreated dog having heartworms. These include:
1. The dog may develop a serious case of heartworm disease, which can lead to death.
2. The dog may develop other health problems, such as congestive heart failure, due to the damage done by the worms.
3. The dog may become resistant to the preventive medications used to prevent heartworm infection.
4. The dog may spread the heartworm larvae to other dogs, which can cause an epidemic.
Conclusion:
If you think your dog may have heartworms, it is important to get them tested and treated as soon as possible. Symptoms of heartworms in dogs can be difficult to spot.
but early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the health of your pet. Thanks for reading our guide on heartworm symptoms in dogs. We hope this information helps you keep your furry friend healthy and happy!
FAQs:
1. What are the major symptoms of heartworms in dogs?
Answer: The major symptoms of heartworms in dogs are coughing, difficulty breathing, and a general deterioration in health. Dogs with heartworm disease often tire easily, lose weight, and have a poor appetite.
2. What are the risks associated with heartworms in dogs?
Answer: Heartworms are a serious problem for dogs, and can be fatal if not treated. The worms live in the heart and lungs and can cause heart failure, lung damage, and other health problems.
3. How can you prevent heartworms in your dog?
Answer: There are a few things you can do to help prevent heartworms in your dog. The most important is to keep your dog on a monthly preventive medication, as this will kill any worms that are present and help protect against future infections.
4. How do you know if your dog has heartworms?
Answer: There are many ways to tell if your dog has heartworms, but the most common is by checking for a worm in their stool. However, just because you don’t see a worm doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t have heartworms.
5. What is the treatment for heartworm-inflicted dogs?
Answer: While there are treatments available, they can be costly and difficult to administer. In some cases, the best course of action may be to prevent heartworm infection in the first place.
