What Causes Heartworms in Dogs

We don't call dogs "man's best friend" for nothing. By spending time with us, walking with us, playing with us and loving us, dogs directly contribute to a better quality of life for human beings. Isn't it only fair that we return the favor? It is the sole responsibility of the dog owner to make sure that their canine companion is as well taken care of, healthy and happy as they can be and making sure that their pets are disease and heartworm free is one of the most wonderful ways of doing so.

What is Heartworm?

Heartworm is a disease usually found in dogs and some cats. It is a parasitic worm that can cause extreme damage to a dog's body and they get the worms through contact with mosquitoes. While dogs are the primary hosts for this parasite, it has been known for cats to have heartworm and even some humans, but on a very rare occasion. They are actual worm parasites that live in the dog's heart, arteries and lungs and they have a life span of six to seven months - plenty of time to do a great deal of damage.

How do Dogs Get Heartworm?

Again, heartworm is spread through contact with mosquitoes so it is outdoor dogs that are the most afflicted by heartworm diseases. Infected mosquitoes bite the dog, but in the process they deposit heartworm larvae into the dog's coat. From there, the larvae tunnels into the dog's skin and grows into the worm-like parasite that they appear to be and they can get rather big; some heartworms have been discovered to be a foot long! They multiply and create more heartworms that live in a dog's blood vessels and they can be there for years, causing extreme problems with blood circulation and the lungs.

The problem with heartworm is that it can get very bad before it ever shows its ugly head to a human owner. This means that your dog could be afflicted with heartworm and you would never know it, perhaps until it is nearly too late for them. Depending on the health of your dog, the number of heartworms, where they have infected and how long they have been there, a dog can be fatally ill with heartworm disease if they are not checked and treated thoroughly. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs include fainting, severe weight loss, heavy or short breathing, loss of appetite or energy, nervousness and coughing. Heart failure is also a sign of heartworm, although it is one of the terminal ones that may contribute to death from these nasty parasites.

You Can Help Your Dog

Your veterinarian should have heartworm preventative pills for your pet and they can test your dog and find out whether or not he is infected with the parasites. Most heartworm tests are included in a normal veterinarian visit as it is. If your pet sees a veterinarian on a consistent basis, request for heartworm pills and your dog should be fine. If they are infected, there are methods of treatment as well and many of them do work, but preventing heartworms in dogs is always much easier than treating them.

Natalie is the author of WormsInMyPet.com. Visit her site for more free tips on eliminating worms and preventing worms in your dog.