How Do Dogs Get Heartworms?

2018-08-21

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Heartworms are a serious health threat to dogs, and it's important to understand how they can get infected to prevent and treat them effectively. In this article, we'll provide a detailed explanation of how dogs contract heartworms.

Mosquitoes play a critical role in spreading heartworms. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it transmits tiny, immature heartworms called microfilaria into the dog's bloodstream. Inside the dog's body, these microfilaria develop into adult heartworms over several months, eventually taking up residence in the heart and pulmonary arteries.

As the number of adult heartworms increases, they can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. Dogs with heartworm infection may experience symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and lethargy. In advanced cases, heartworms can lead to congestive heart failure and even death if left untreated.

how do dogs get heartworm

Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes.

Mosquito bites dog.
Infected mosquito.
Microfilaria enter bloodstream.
Microfilaria mature into adults.
Adults live in heart and lungs.
Heartworms cause damage.
Symptoms may include cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss.
Treatment is available.

Heartworm infection is a serious health threat to dogs, but it can be prevented and treated if caught early.

Mosquito bites dog.

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors for transmitting heartworms to dogs. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects tiny, immature heartworms called microfilaria into the dog's bloodstream. These microfilaria are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Once inside the dog's body, the microfilaria travel through the bloodstream and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs. Over the next several months, they mature into adult heartworms. Adult heartworms can grow to be several inches long and can live for several years inside a dog's body.

As the adult heartworms grow and multiply, they can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. They can block blood flow, damage heart tissue, and cause inflammation. This can lead to a variety of health problems for the dog, including coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and lethargy. In advanced cases, heartworms can even lead to congestive heart failure and death.

The risk of heartworm infection is highest in areas where mosquitoes are common, such as warm, humid climates. However, heartworms can be found in all parts of the United States and Canada. Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent heartworm infection in dogs, regardless of where you live.

The best way to prevent heartworm infection is to give your dog monthly heartworm preventive medication. These medications are available from your veterinarian and are very effective at preventing heartworm infection.

Infected mosquito.

Heartworms are spread from dog to dog by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects microfilaria into the dog's bloodstream. These microfilaria then develop into adult heartworms inside the dog's body.

Mosquitoes become infected with heartworms when they feed on an infected dog. The microfilaria in the dog's blood enter the mosquito's stomach. Inside the mosquito, the microfilaria develop into infective larvae. When the mosquito bites another dog, the infective larvae are injected into the dog's bloodstream, starting the cycle all over again.

Not all mosquitoes can transmit heartworms. Only certain species of mosquitoes are capable of carrying and transmitting the heartworm parasite. These species are most common in warm, humid climates, but they can be found in all parts of the United States and Canada.

The risk of heartworm infection is highest in areas where mosquitoes are common and where a large number of dogs are infected with heartworms. However, even in areas where the risk is low, it is still important to take steps to prevent heartworm infection in dogs.

Microfilaria enter bloodstream.

When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects tiny, immature heartworms called microfilaria into the dog's bloodstream. These microfilaria are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Once inside the dog's body, the microfilaria travel through the bloodstream and eventually make their way to the heart and lungs. This journey can take several months. During this time, the microfilaria are growing and developing.

Once the microfilaria reach the heart and lungs, they mature into adult heartworms. Adult heartworms can grow to be several inches long and can live for several years inside a dog's body.

Microfilaria mature into adults.

Once the microfilaria reach the heart and lungs, they mature into adult heartworms. This process takes several months. During this time, the microfilaria grow in size and develop into male and female worms.

Adult heartworms can grow to be several inches long and can live for several years inside a dog's body. They typically reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries, but they can also be found in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Adults live in heart and lungs.

Adult heartworms typically reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. However, they can also be found in other parts of the body, such as the liver, kidneys, and brain.

Location: Adult heartworms typically reside in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs.
Size: Adult heartworms can grow to be several inches long.
Lifespan: Adult heartworms can live for several years inside a dog's body.
Reproduction: Adult heartworms reproduce by mating inside the dog's body. The female heartworms produce microfilaria, which are microscopic and can circulate in the dog's bloodstream.

Heartworms cause damage.

As the adult heartworms grow and multiply, they can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs. They can block blood flow, damage heart tissue, and cause inflammation.

Blocked blood flow: Adult heartworms can block the flow of blood through the heart and lungs. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance.
Damaged heart tissue: Adult heartworms can damage the heart tissue, leading to heart failure. This can be a fatal condition.
Inflammation: Adult heartworms can cause inflammation in the heart and lungs. This inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including coughing, difficulty breathing, and weight loss.
Other problems: Adult heartworms can also cause a variety of other health problems, including seizures, blindness, and kidney failure.

The severity of the damage caused by heartworms depends on the number of worms in the dog's body and the length of time the dog has been infected. Early diagnosis and treatment of heartworm infection is essential to prevent serious health problems.

Symptoms may include cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss.

As heartworms grow and multiply in a dog's body, they can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of heartworm infection include:

Cough: A persistent cough is one of the most common signs of heartworm infection. This cough may be dry or productive, and it may be worse at night or when the dog is exercising.
Difficulty breathing: As heartworms block blood flow through the lungs, dogs may experience difficulty breathing. This may be noticeable during exercise or even at rest.
Weight loss: Heartworm infection can cause weight loss, even if the dog is eating normally. This is because the heartworms are competing with the dog for nutrients.

Other symptoms of heartworm infection can include:

Lethargy
Exercise intolerance
Swollen abdomen
Seizures
Blindness
Kidney failure

The severity of the symptoms will depend on the number of heartworms in the dog's body and the length of time the dog has been infected. Early diagnosis and treatment of heartworm infection is essential to prevent serious health problems.

If you think your dog may have heartworm infection, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away. The veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may recommend additional tests, such as a blood test or chest X-ray, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment is available.

Heartworm infection is a serious disease, but it can be treated. The goal of treatment is to kill the adult heartworms and prevent further infection.

Injectable medication: The most common treatment for heartworm infection is an injectable medication called melarsomine dihydrochloride. This medication is given in two injections, 24 hours apart. It kills the adult heartworms and prevents them from reproducing.
Oral medication: In some cases, oral medication may be used to treat heartworm infection. This medication is given daily for several months. It kills the microfilaria and prevents them from developing into adult heartworms.
Surgery: In severe cases of heartworm infection, surgery may be necessary to remove the adult heartworms from the heart and lungs. This is a risky procedure and is only performed by experienced veterinarians.
Supportive care: During treatment, your dog may need supportive care to help them recover from the infection. This may include oxygen therapy, fluid therapy, and antibiotics.

Treatment for heartworm infection can be expensive and time-consuming. However, it is important to treat the infection as soon as possible to prevent serious health problems or even death.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about heartworms in dogs:

Question 1: How can I prevent my dog from getting heartworms?
Answer: The best way to prevent heartworm infection is to give your dog monthly heartworm preventive medication. This medication is available from your veterinarian and is very effective at preventing heartworm infection.

Question 2: What are the symptoms of heartworm infection?
Answer: The most common symptoms of heartworm infection include cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and lethargy. However, some dogs may not show any symptoms in the early stages of infection.

Question 3: How is heartworm infection diagnosed?
Answer: Heartworm infection is diagnosed with a blood test. Your veterinarian will draw a small sample of blood from your dog and test it for the presence of heartworm antigens.

Question 4: How is heartworm infection treated?
Answer: Heartworm infection is treated with medication that kills the adult heartworms. Treatment can be expensive and time-consuming, but it is important to treat the infection as soon as possible to prevent serious health problems.

Question 5: Can heartworm infection be cured?
Answer: Yes, heartworm infection can be cured if it is treated early. However, treatment is more difficult and less effective in dogs with advanced heartworm infection.

Question 6: How can I protect my dog from mosquitoes?
Answer: You can protect your dog from mosquitoes by using insect repellent, keeping your dog indoors during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water around your home.

Question 7: What should I do if I think my dog has heartworms?
Answer: If you think your dog may have heartworms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health problems.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
Heartworm infection is a serious disease, but it can be prevented and treated. Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention and treatment options for your dog.

In addition to following the above tips, you can also help prevent heartworm infection in your dog by:

Tips

Here are some tips to help prevent heartworm infection in your dog:

Tip 1: Give your dog monthly heartworm preventive medication.

This is the most important thing you can do to protect your dog from heartworms. Heartworm preventive medication is available from your veterinarian and is very effective at preventing heartworm infection.

Tip 2: Keep your dog indoors during peak mosquito hours.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If possible, keep your dog indoors during these times to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes.

Tip 3: Eliminate standing water around your home.

Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Eliminate standing water around your home by emptying birdbaths, repairing leaky faucets, and removing any other sources of standing water.

Tip 4: Use insect repellent on your dog.

There are a variety of insect repellents available that are safe for use on dogs. Apply insect repellent to your dog's skin and coat before taking them outdoors.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can help protect your dog from heartworm infection and keep them healthy and happy.

Heartworm infection is a serious disease, but it can be prevented and treated. Talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention and treatment options for your dog.

Conclusion

Heartworm infection is a serious disease, but it can be prevented and treated. The best way to protect your dog from heartworms is to give them monthly heartworm preventive medication. You can also help prevent heartworm infection by keeping your dog indoors during peak mosquito hours, eliminating standing water around your home, and using insect repellent on your dog.

If you think your dog may have heartworms, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health problems.

Closing Message:

Heartworm infection is a preventable disease. By following the tips in this article, you can help protect your dog from heartworms and keep them healthy and happy.

Remember to talk to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention and treatment options for your dog.