Do you know how to protect your pet from heartworm? Heartworm is a major problem that affects dogs and cats around the globe. Before you start to worry, heartworm is a preventable, though potentially fatal, parasite.
Heartworm can only be transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes, so it’s important that you screen any other animals that come into contact with your pet. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, young heartworms enter the bug’s system. Within two weeks, those small heartworms develop into parasitic larvae inside the body of the mosquito, which can be transmitted to another animal when this mosquito eats its next meal.
It takes about six months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. During the first three months after the mosquito bite, the larvae travel through the animal’s body, eventually reaching the blood vessels in the lungs. During the last three months, the infant worms grow into adulthood, with the females growing up to fourteen inches long. They eventually damage the blood vessels and reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood, which results in lung and heart disease.
If both male and female heartworms are present in an animals’ body, they will mate and produce new larvae. Adult heartworms can survive 5 to 7 years in the bodies of dogs, and several months to years in cats. Unfortunately, all animals are susceptible to heartworm infection. However, with proper prevention, you can definitely keep your four-legged friend protected! Because heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, all animals that go outside should be tested. How do you know if your pet has been infected?
If you have a dog: your pet won’t show any symptoms of heartworm disease until a few months after it has been infected. As the weeks go by, your dog may develop a cough, have difficulty breathing, lose its appetite, or tire rapidly.
If you have a cat: signs of heartworm disease include vomiting, respiratory problems, and coughing.
Since heartworm is an easily preventable disease, there are lots of things that you can do to keep your pet from harm. Make sure your pet is tested regularly, and there are several types of preventive medication. Ask your veterinarian about the best possible treatment for your dog or cat. Or you can check out the American Heartworm Society for more details about how you can protect your furry friend!
