Heartworm is a very serious and potentially deadly disease that can affect all breeds of dogs at any age. This parasite has also been reported more rarely in cats and ferrets, and it is wise for any pet owner to take precautions to protect their pet. Fortunately, it is easy for a diligent and conscientious pet owner to prevent heartworm and keep their pets healthy.
Heartworm is an infestation of Dirofilaria immitis worms, a type of parasitic roundworm with a threadlike body that can reach 9-12 inches long at maturity. These parasites are only spread through mosquito bites, and one infected animal will not directly affect another pet. Once infected, it takes roughly six months for the heartworm parasites to mature enough to become detectable, at which time they will start to infest the heart, longs, and arteries of the animal. On rare occasions, the worms may also infect the eyes or brain. These worms can live 5-7 years within an animal, and infections have been reported in all 50 states as well as numerous countries around the world.
When a pet is first infected with heartworm, it may not show any initial symptoms of discomfort or other problems. A relatively sedentary, inactive pet with only a light infestation could even have mature heartworms living within it for years without showing noticeable symptoms. When the infestation becomes severe, however, different symptoms can be more prominent, including…
Ultimately, a severe heartworm infection can lead to congestive heart failure and death. Recognizing the symptoms early, however, can lead to safe, effective treatment and eradication of the parasites.
Because heartworm can be so prevalent, the best option for pet owners is to prevent their pets from ever getting infected. First, consult your veterinarian for a thorough consultation to determine if your pet is already infected, and to get recommendations about the best preventative measures for your pet’s age, overall health, and local conditions. Popular prevention steps include…
Ultimately, the best prevention is to take multiple steps at once to ensure the strongest protection for your pet. Heartworm can be a scary condition for pet owners to face, but with proper prevention and dedicated veterinary care, it does not have to be a fatal diagnosis.