What Causes Heartworms in Dogs

Author: Natalie Williams

They don't call dogs "man's best friend" for no reason. By spending time with us, walking with us, playing with us and loving us, dogs directly contribute to a better quality of life for human beings. Isn't it only fair that we return the love and affection? It is the sole responsibility of the dog owner to make sure that their canine friend is as well taken care of, healthy and happy as they can be and making sure that their pets are disease and heartworm free is one of the most important ways of doing so.

What is Heartworm?

Heartworm is a disease commonly found in dogs and some cats. It is a parasitic worm that can cause extreme damage to a dog's health and they get the worms through contact with mosquitoes. While dogs are the primary hosts for this parasite, it has been known for cats to have heartworm and even some humans, but on a very rare instances. They are actual worm parasites that live in the dog's heart, arteries and lungs and they have a life cycle of six to seven months - plenty of time to do lots of damage.

How do Dogs Get Heartworm?

Again, heartworm is spread through contact with mosquitoes so it is outdoor dogs that are the most afflicted by heartworm diseases. Infected mosquitoes bite the dog, but in the process they plant heartworm larvae into the dog's coat. From there, the larvae moves into the dog's skin and changes form into the worm-like parasite that they appear to be and they can get rather large; some heartworms have been found to be a foot long! They procreate and make more heartworms that live in a dog's blood vessels and they can be there for years, causing extreme problems with blood circulation and the lungs.

The problem with heartworm is that it can get very bad before it ever shows its ugly head to a human owner. This means that your dog could be infected with heartworm and you would never know it, perhaps until it is nearly too late for them. Depending on the health of your dog, the number of heartworms, where they have infected and how long they have been there, a dog can be fatally ill with heartworm disease if they are not checked and treated thoroughly. Signs of heartworm disease in dogs include loss of appetite or energy, heavy or short breathing, fainting, severe weight loss, nervousness and coughing. Heart failure is also a sign of heartworm, although it is one of the fatal ones that may contribute to death from these nasty parasites.

You Can Help Your Dog

Your veterinarian should have heartworm preventative medication for your pet and they can test your dog and find out whether or not he is infected with the parasites. Most heartworm tests are included in a normal veterinarian visit as it is. If your pet sees a veterinarian on a consistent basis, request for heartworm medication and your dog should be fine. If they are infected, there are methods of treatment as well and many of them do work, but preventing heartworms in dogs is always much easier than treating them.