12/06/2024
BVC Talks: Heartworm Disease
Heartworms take 6-7 months to develop into adults and reproduce. The process of disease transmission begins with a mosquito feeding on the blood of an infected animal, picking up heartworm offspring known as microfilariae. Adult heartworms cause inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs, resulting in respiratory issues and pulmonary hypertension. In some cases, this leads to weight loss, weakness, right-sided congestive heart failure, reduced quality of life, and even death. The prevention of heartworms and early detection are crucial in managing heartworm disease. Preventing heartworms is MUCH easier than having to treat an active heartworm infection.
If you have ever seen a mosquito inside your home, not just outside, then your dog can get heartworm disease. Treating your yard does not mean your pet will not get heartworms. Only oral/topical/injectable preventions will keep your pet safe. Heartworm prevention can only be bought from a veterinarian with a prescription. To guarantee you are getting a safe and reliable prevention for your pet, please contact your veterinarian to talk about getting your pet on heartworm prevention. They should be on it year-round for the best protection. An annual heartworm test should also be performed to ensure the product and to make sure your pet does not contract heartworms if a dose is missed on accident.
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