Mary Allen
Introduction: Heartworm disease in dogs
Heartworm disease in dogs is a serious and potentially fatal illness caused by parasitic worms called Dirofilaria immitis. These worms live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected dogs. Heartworms can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs, leading to significant health problems and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential for dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heartworm disease and take necessary steps to prevent it.
What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasitic worms that live in the blood vessels and heart of infected dogs. Adult heartworms can grow up to 12 inches in length and can live for several years. Female heartworms can produce millions of larvae that circulate in the bloodstream of infected dogs, which can be transmitted to other dogs through mosquito bites. Once inside a dog’s bloodstream, these larvae can migrate to the heart and lungs, where they grow into adult worms and cause significant health problems.
How do dogs get heartworms?
Dogs get heartworms through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it ingests the larvae of the heartworms along with the dog’s blood. The larvae then develop and mature inside the mosquito for several weeks. When the infected mosquito bites another dog, the larvae are transmitted to the new host, where they can grow into adult heartworms. Therefore, dogs who live in areas with a high mosquito population are at a higher risk of getting heartworms.