All about Canine Heartworm Disease Symptoms

Heartworm disease in dogs is a very serious, but totally preventable infection. Heartworms are where scrounging worms grow inside your dog’s heart and large blood vessels in the lungs. If the disease left undetected, it can become serious and your dog may die as a result of the worms blocking the blood stream to the lungs and heart. That’s why it is very important to know how to detect canine heartworm disease symptoms.

Heartworms in dogs is very much a familiar story all over the world. It is a myth that this disease only affects dogs in certain areas. Your dog needs you to be vigilant against the infection, no matter where you live.

Dogs can contract heartworm disease if they have been bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten another infected dog in your area. The parasites are transmitted by mosquitoes directly from one bloodstream to another. It takes 3 to 5 months for the parasites to migrate in the direction of the heart. It is known that some heartworms have reached lengths of about 14 inches.

Veterinarians suggest a 3 part program as a best defense for your dog. A total heartworm prevention program includes

1. Having your veterinarian analyze your dog regularly for heartworm.

2. Providing your dog with preventive heartworm medications prescribed by the vet.

3. Reducing your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes.
The most secure method to protect your pet is to keep up with the prescribed medications on a regular basis so the body of your dog is always protected and minimising the chance of any canine heart worm disease symptoms from appearing.

As with any medication there is known to be a small health risk with the prescribed heartworm tablets. You should speak to your vet for exact details but in the vast majority of cases, the risk is very minimal.

If your dog has no regular protection from any heartworm infection, it is recommend having your dog examined by your vet and begin a heartworm defensive course.

Canine Heartworm Disease Symptoms – What to Watch out for.

Dogs who have heartworm infections may exhibit a cough, weight loss, decreased appetite, general listlessness and inability to exercise. Additionally, your dog may also be vomiting, have breathing problems, seizures and even blindness.

If in any doubt, speak to your vet as soon as possible.

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