Heartworm Prevention Is Much Better Than The Cure | Dogs

By RebeccaFoxton
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Heartworm is a particularly nasty parasite which is spread from host to host by mosquitoes. Dog heartworms are a kind of filaris (a long thin worm), but the condition can affect cats, ferrets, coyotes, wolves, sea lions and even humans. This worm was named as such due to its habit in the final stage of its reproductive cycle to live in the heart of its host.

If left untreated, the animal will find exertion harder and may faint under physical strain or experience extreme breathlessness. Eventually the animal can die of heart failure or failure of the kidneys, lungs and liver as the parasites also damage these organs.

Treatment is possible, but it is lengthy (18 months or more). It is also unpleasant for the animal, usually involving an arsenic compound or other heavy duty heartworm meds to kill the parasites, and may even require surgery. For the vast majority of the infection, you may not notice any symptoms.

There are no noticeable symptoms of this infection during most of the infectious period. The dog heartworm has a lifespan of about 6 to 7 months, starting from the time when the animal is first infected via mosquito bite, all the way to the parasite invading the heart. When mature, the females can reach 30cm in length while the males tend more toward 23cm. Mating occurs after seven months, and the females will have started producing microfilariae. Though heart worms used to only affect the warmer climates in southern parts of the world, they now affect any place that is habitable for mosquitoes.

Prevention measures for heartworms is typically a monthly Prophylactic, such as Heartgard which contains ivermectin - a broad spectrum anti parasite medication. The medicine Heart Guard for heartworm is not very expensive, quite easy to use, and effective as well.

Milbemycin is the active ingredient in Inteceptor, and ProHeart utilizes moxidectin to kill the parasites. Heartgard Plus is the most widely used of all of these.

One can also treat heartworms and similar other parasites by the use of a topical application such as Revolution, which not only controls heartworm, but also serves to control fleas and other parasites. Heartworm prevention is so easy and effective, there is simply no reason to risk your pet's health. To get your dog checked out, see your vet.

First, diagnosis is commonly made by a blood test, then medications are given for the cure and prevention of the infection. The amount of the damage in an infected animal will be revealed by an x-ray. Heartworm pills or injections are a common route to take in curing an infection, however prevention is always much better than trying to cure heartworms. (This holds true with fleas, ticks, and other health conditions, as well.)

Get informed by discussing canine heartworm with your vet at your dog's next visit. Treatment of a heartworm infestation can exceed thousands of dollars, and may not always be effective. It's much more economically and health savvy to be proactive and focus on prevention.

About the Author

Author Rebecca Foxton can help you give your pet better health with Heartgard Plus. Check out her nutrition tips for people with dogs and cats and visit her FortiFlora article series on Dog Buffs.

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