subject: How Worse Can Dog Heartworm Disease Get? [print this page] How Worse Can Dog Heartworm Disease Get? How Worse Can Dog Heartworm Disease Get?
That is the question many dog lovers have. While any ailment your precious pet may suffer from requires fast action by you, heartworms demand expedient care from a veterinarian, more so than most. Dog heartworm disease is one of the gravest your pet could be infected with. Heartworms travel from dog to dog by mosquitoes.
One of the most problematic things about dog heartworms is that your dog will not usually show symptoms immediately. In many cases, it may take several months to a year before your pet starts presenting with the common symptoms like coughing, bloody discharges, fatigue and difficulty breathing. The reason this is problematic for you and your dog is the fact that most of the time, once he starts showing symptoms, it is usually too late for him to recover. In the most difficult cases, your dog may die just a few days after showing the first of the major symptoms.
What are heartworms, and how do they affect my dog?
Heartworms are worm-like parasites that take up residence in your dog's circulatory system and major organs. Just as mange, mites and fleas attack and infest the skin and outer hide of the animal; heartworms do much the same on the inside. Heartworms are tiny and multiply in numbers inside the blood vessels. They use the vessels like tunnels to travel throughout the body, and most often end up in the heart and lungs. They can also attack the liver and kidneys, and once the parasite takes the organ over, the organ fails. Heart failure and multi-organ failure are the most common reason dogs die from the disease.
With the help of your veterinarian, treatment of dog heartworms is fairly simple. If you notice even the slightest of the symptoms of heartworm, consult your vet immediately. You can help prevent heartworms in your dog by taking your pet in for annual checkups. If you reside in an area with high mosquito populations, be sure to give your dog heartworm medications or have him vaccinated. These medications are available only from your vet, and you should be vigilant in giving your dog his medications, to ensure he doesn't suffer from this disease needlessly.
Other preventative measures you can take against heartworm are to keep your pet's sleeping area clean, boosting your pet's natural immune system, and by using insect repellents or screens to help keep mosquitoes off of your dog. If you give your dog vitamins, ensure he eats nutritious foods and keep him clean, the chances of heartworms being able to take over his organs is decreased. A dog with a strong immune system usually fights off parasites before they can take hold of their bodies. Just like people, dogs have antibodies in their blood, or white blood cells, which fight off invading diseases and parasites.
Your dog should be treated as you would your family. Protect your dog from its enemies, like parasites and diseases. Give your dog all the love and care it deserves, and keep him protected against threats both big and small.
