Many people believe that heartworms are an infestation that dogs can catch from other dogs or from eating things off the ground that have been infected. This is not the case. Heartworms are caused by mosquitoes who carry the larvae of heartworms and infect the dog when they bite it. When heartworm symptoms in dogs becomes noticable the dog usually has had the infestation for a long period of time.
There are many steps we take on a yearly basis to assure that our dogs remain healthy. Many people take their pets in for an annual check-up which includes getting any vaccinations that are due, having the teeth cleaned, and other tasks that a veterinarian must perform.
The rate of dogs who are being infested with heartworms in the United States is so high that it is very important to pre-treat a pet before they are exposed to areas where they may get bitten by mosquitoes. These treatments will insure that the pet does not become ill and require more expensive treatment.
Mosquitoes exist and multiply in any area that has standing water or new construction. There are many cases where mosquitoes will inhabit an area near a pool in a home's yard. It is very hard to protect a pet from playing in a field or yard where there may be standing water and this water can be a breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.
By the time heartworm symptoms in dogs begins to be visible the parasite has established itself throughout the dog's bloodstream. Heartworms can exist in a dog for several years without any symptoms occurring. It is only when they begin to clog the heart that symptoms will show. This is why treatment of heartworms once the symptoms appear can be so costly and often futile.
One of the main symptoms that a dog will show when the heartworms have clogged the heart is coughing. The cough will not sound like kennel cough but be more raspy as thought the dog is gasping for air while coughing. A dog may cough so hard that they will cough up blood or pass out in the middle of coughing.
Another symptom is shortness of breath. While the heartworms invade the heart, they also invade the other organs of the body. By the time symptoms occur the heartworms are usually lodged in the lungs as well as this makes it difficult for the dog to breathe normally. When they breathe it will sound very thready and uneven.
As the organs and brain are deprived of necessary blood and oxygen a pet will begin to lose consciousness often. They will often seem very tired and will be unable to do many of the activities that they once enjoyed. In most cases they will need the assistance of their owner to make a jump or climb stairs.
Heartworm symptoms in dogs that has become visible and noticeable to the owner is an indication that they have a severe infestation. Along with the heartworm infestation most pets also have other infections that result from the inability of their bodies to fight off infection. The treatment for these symptoms involves several trips to the vet for medication and treatment. Following treatment a dog must be kept quiet for several months and checked regularly until the infestation has been destroyed and they can return to health.
There are many steps we take on a yearly basis to assure that our dogs remain healthy. Many people take their pets in for an annual check-up which includes getting any vaccinations that are due, having the teeth cleaned, and other tasks that a veterinarian must perform.
The rate of dogs who are being infested with heartworms in the United States is so high that it is very important to pre-treat a pet before they are exposed to areas where they may get bitten by mosquitoes. These treatments will insure that the pet does not become ill and require more expensive treatment.
Mosquitoes exist and multiply in any area that has standing water or new construction. There are many cases where mosquitoes will inhabit an area near a pool in a home's yard. It is very hard to protect a pet from playing in a field or yard where there may be standing water and this water can be a breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.
By the time heartworm symptoms in dogs begins to be visible the parasite has established itself throughout the dog's bloodstream. Heartworms can exist in a dog for several years without any symptoms occurring. It is only when they begin to clog the heart that symptoms will show. This is why treatment of heartworms once the symptoms appear can be so costly and often futile.
One of the main symptoms that a dog will show when the heartworms have clogged the heart is coughing. The cough will not sound like kennel cough but be more raspy as thought the dog is gasping for air while coughing. A dog may cough so hard that they will cough up blood or pass out in the middle of coughing.
Another symptom is shortness of breath. While the heartworms invade the heart, they also invade the other organs of the body. By the time symptoms occur the heartworms are usually lodged in the lungs as well as this makes it difficult for the dog to breathe normally. When they breathe it will sound very thready and uneven.
As the organs and brain are deprived of necessary blood and oxygen a pet will begin to lose consciousness often. They will often seem very tired and will be unable to do many of the activities that they once enjoyed. In most cases they will need the assistance of their owner to make a jump or climb stairs.
Heartworm symptoms in dogs that has become visible and noticeable to the owner is an indication that they have a severe infestation. Along with the heartworm infestation most pets also have other infections that result from the inability of their bodies to fight off infection. The treatment for these symptoms involves several trips to the vet for medication and treatment. Following treatment a dog must be kept quiet for several months and checked regularly until the infestation has been destroyed and they can return to health.
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Want to find out more about Heartworm Symptoms In Dogs, then visit Jennifer Richard's site on how to choose the best Heartworm Prevention For Dogs for your needs.
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