Anything Fun

Heartworms are a prevalent parasite in the United States. This parasite is passed onto a dog by a mosquito bite which injects heartworm larvae into the bloodstream of the dog. Getting treatment before heartworm symptoms in dogs begin to appear is the best course of action in fighting the parasite that can make a dog very ill or kill it.

Many pet owners have their pets treated for heartworms each year during a regular checkup. Being treated before symptoms appear ensures that the pet will not develop heartworms or, if they have been bitten by a mosquito carrying larvae, the larvae will not survive long enough to do any permanent damage.

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.

An infestation is fully manifested by the type heartworm symptoms in dogs become visible. Heartworms can live in the bloodstream of a dog, attacking organs throughout the body, for several years with no visible symptoms. By the time the symptoms do begin to appear the dog is ill and needs to see a vet immediately.

When heartworms infect the heart and lungs of the dogs many of the symptoms in dogs of heartworms will become visible. Heartworms clog the vessels in the heart and the blood supply to the brain is significantly reduced. They will often develop a cough that include gasping. In some cases dogs will also cough up blood in their attempts to breathe while 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.

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.