How Dogs Get Infected with Heartworms: Understanding th

Canine heartworm disease is a condition that is more prevalent during the summer months and carries a significant risk. If left untreated, it can have a profound impact on a dog's health. Today, Dr. OxygenPet is here to educate you about the risks and realities of heartworm infection in dogs. It's crucial that we all take this disease seriously and take appropriate preventive measures.

Understanding How Dogs Get Heartworms:

Dogs typically contract heartworms through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito feeds on an infected dog or another animal, it ingests microscopic heartworm larvae. These larvae mature into infective thirdstage larvae within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog, these larvae are transferred into the new host, entering the bloodstream and eventually reaching the heart and lungs, where they grow into adult worms and cause heartworm disease.

Additionally, heartworms can be transmitted through pregnancy. If a female dog becomes infected during pregnancy, the adult worms can enter the placenta and pass on larvae to the puppies.

Risk factors for heartworm infection in dogs include living in areas where the disease is common, not receiving preventive medications, and not undergoing regular heartworm testing. To prevent heartworm infection, pet owners should:

Regularly test their dogs for heartworms to catch and treat infections early.

Administer preventive heartworm medication monthly as recommended by a veterinarian.

Keep their dogs away from mosquitoheavy environments, such as swamps and lakes.

Use protective measures like longsleeved clothing or insect repellents during peak mosquito seasons.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Heartworms:

Immediate treatment is essential if a dog is diagnosed with heartworms to prevent the disease from worsening. Treatment options include medication and surgery, which should be tailored to the dog's specific condition under the guidance of a professional veterinarian.

Medication: Medication is the primary treatment for heartworm disease. Commonly used drugs include various antibiotics and dewormers, such as diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and melarsomine. It's vital to follow the instructions of a professional pet doctor to avoid toxicity or other adverse reactions.

Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the heartworms from the dog's heart and lungs. This procedure is risky and should only be performed by a qualified veterinarian.

After treatment, it's important to:

Ensure your dog has access to plenty of water and food to maintain proper nutrition and hydration.

Avoid vigorous exercise that could exacerbate the condition.

Schedule regular followup appointments to monitor your dog's health and treatment progress.

Continue with monthly preventive medication containing ivermectin or selamectin to prevent reinfection.

Heartworm infection in dogs is a serious condition, but it is treatable and preventable. If you suspect your dog may have heartworms or if you notice any symptoms, don't hesitate to consult with a professional pet doctor on the OxygenPet website immediately.