Heartworms are parasites that cause serious health complications. Left untreated, heartworm disease can lead to lung, heart, and other organ damage. Although cats can also be infected, veterinarians typically focus on cautioning dog owners about the condition, as it’s more likely to result in side effects in dogs. Here’s what you should know to keep your furry friend healthy.

What Causes Heartworm Disease in Dogs?

The condition is caused by a parasite that can infect dogs through mosquito bites. Once the animal contracts the worms, the parasite infects the blood vessels, lungs, and heart. The condition is not contagious.

The parasite can live for up to seven years inside the animal, growing as long as 12 inches in length. On average, an infected dog has 15 worms, but the number can span from one to 250. Veterinarians refer to the number of worms in a dog as the “worm burden.”

What Are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease?

In its early stages, heartworm disease rarely creates noticeable symptoms. As the worms proliferate over the years, the pup may experience cough, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss. 

If you suspect your pet is infected, visit a veterinarian. A diagnostic blood test will confirm whether parasites are present.

How Do Veterinarians Prevent & Treat the Condition?

Veterinarians prescribe pills and topical ointments to prevent heartworms from infecting animals. A dog must be worm-free for the medication to be effective. For this reason, vets recommend getting any pup seven months or older tested for heartworms first.

If the dog is already infected, treatment is available. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an arsenic-based drug that kills adult heartworms via injections. While parasites are still larvae, vets may be able to eliminate them with topical solutions. However, the disease can cause irreversible organ damage, so vets recommend prevention.

If you want to keep your furry friend safe, turn to Countryside Veterinary Service. With clinics in multiple locations, they serve residents throughout northeastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania. These veterinarians make preventive care a priority and are always happy to educate pet owners on how to ensure healthy and happy animals. They offer comprehensive services, including pet vaccinations and parasite control. Visit their website to find the nearest clinic and make an appointment.