One of the biggest fears of pet parents is that their beloved companion will get infected with heartworms. But fret not, we are here to put your worry at ease! Heartworm disease, caused by heartworm larvae (microfilariae), is a serious and invisible threat to dogs that remains asymptomatic in the initial months and can be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about what heartworms are, how they spread and what their early signs are so that you can prevent them before it gets too late.
Let’s dive into the details to understand everything about heartworms to keep your fluffballs hale and hearty in the coming years.
What are heartworms & how do they infect dogs?
Heartworms, also known as Dirofilaria immitis, are large, white-colored, thread-like parasitic worms that live and grow inside the heart of an infected dog. They are transmitted to dogs through mosquitoes that carry heartworm larvae (microfilariae).
When an infected mosquito bites a healthy dog, immature heartworms (microfilariae) get transmitted to the dog, affecting the dog’s heart and associated blood vessels.
These worms grow up to 12 inches long into adult worms within 6-7 months, interrupting normal functions of the heart, causing severe damage to the lungs and leading to death if left unattended.
Initial signs of heartworms in dogs
Let’s have a quick rundown on some of the first signs of heartworms in dogs so that you can focus on early prevention and keep your canine protected:
- Dry, persistent cough
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Weakness and lethargy
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Reluctance to exercise
- Breathing trouble
Importance of early heartworm prevention in dogs
Recognizing the initial signs of heartworms in dogs goes a long way in preventing heartworm disease and keeping them safe and healthy. Though heartworm disease is difficult to treat, it can be prevented with the right approach and knowledge in the first place. Here are a few tips you can follow to prevent heartworm disease in dogs:
1. Watch out for initial symptoms : Developing a proper understanding and keeping an eye on the initial signs and symptoms your dog exhibits plays a crucial role in detecting the disease early and providing timely treatment. Observe your pet’s behavior closely and if you notice anything unusual, consult the vet immediately.
2. Focus on hygiene : Mosquitoes make their home not just outdoors but also indoors, spreading the disease even when your canine is having a cozy time indoors. Therefore, it is important to keep their space neat and tidy. Consider using mosquito repellent, emptying trash containers and trimming the bushes regularly.
3. Modify outdoor timings : Making changes in your dog’s outdoor timings contributes significantly in keeping mosquitoes at bay. Limit their outdoor exposure during dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active.
4. Adopt preventive treatments : As it is rightly said, prevention is always better than cure. Hence, keep your pet safe with a suitable heartworm preventive. Various treatment options are available in the market in different forms such as oral, topical, etc. Heartgard Plus, Nuheart and NexGard Spectra are some of the popular and effective options that you can consider for your furry companion.
Final Words
All in all, it is imperative to keep yourself educated about the initial signs of heartworm disease so that you can track them when your dog displays any such signs. Equip yourself with the information provided in this blog and keep your little one protected from the deadly heartworm disease. Moreover, focus on following the prevention tips before the disease advances and becomes untreatable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the four stages of heartworms?
Ans. There are four stages of heartworm infection in dogs. The first stage is asymptomatic, and the second stage represents apparent signs, such as a mild cough and exercise intolerance. In the third stage, dogs suffer from a severe cough and breathing difficulty. Lastly, the fourth stage is the most severe one, when the blood flow is interrupted and the dog can collapse, leading to death.
Q2. Can a dog have heartworms without any obvious symptoms?
Ans. Yes, a dog might be suffering from heartworm disease without any visible symptoms at all in the beginning. It might take up to six months for a heartworm-positive dog to show signs of infection. Therefore, it is important to schedule regular vet visits and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior.
Q3. Can last-stage heartworm be treated?
Ans. Stage-4 heartworm-positive dogs are in a fatal condition. Adult heartworms interrupt and block cardiac blood flow. The condition requires surgery by an expert for the dog to survive the disease.
Q4. What are the early signs of heartworms in dogs?
Ans. Frequent vomiting, weakness, mild cough, loss of appetite and swollen belly are some of the first signs of heartworm infection in dogs.