Irrespective of their breed or size, all dogs are vulnerable to heartworm disease. It is caused by the parasite called Dirofilaria immitis. They are large worms, reaching up to a foot or more in length. They take about six to seven months to mature and end up in the pet’s heart and pulmonary vessels, where they can live up to several years. If left untreated, heartworms can cause severe lung disease and heart failure. If you’re new to dog parenthood and not sure how to deal with these pesky parasites, don’t worry, as we’re here to help. In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about heartworm disease in dogs, including its causes, symptoms and stages. Read on to find out more.

Causes of Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Heartworm disease or dirofilariasis, is a potentially fatal disease caused by blood-borne parasites called Dirofilaria immitis. They are transmitted to dogs through the bite of infected mosquitoes. When a mosquito bites a heartworm-positive animal, it picks up circulating microfilariae, or young immature heartworms. It then develops into infective larvae inside the mosquito over a period of 10 to 14 days. When the mosquito bites a healthy dog, it transmits the infective larvae into its body. These larvae, further, migrate through the dog’s tissue, enter its bloodstream and mature into adult worms inside its heart, lungs and associated blood vessels.

Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs

The common symptoms of Heartworms in dogs are as follows:

Early Symptoms

  • Cough
  • Exercise Intolerance
  • Lethargy
  • Diseased Appetite
  • Weight Loss

Advanced Symptoms

  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Swollen Abdomen
  • Pale Gums
  • Collapse
  • Nose Bleeding

If you notice the above-mentioned symptoms in your dog, book a vet’s appointment at the earliest for a thorough examination and treatment.

Stages of Heartworm Disease in Dogs

The life cycle of heartworms commences with an adult parasite giving birth to a microfilaria or the first larval stage (L1) that circulates in the bloodstream of the infected dog. When a mosquito bites the infected pet, it also ingests the microfilaria. The first stage of the larva (L1) grows into the second stage (L2) within the mosquito’s body and then undergoes growth phases and reaches the third stage (L3).

The mosquito then bites the uninfected dog and transmits the L3 of the larva through the bite wound. Once inside the dog’s body, the L3 matures into the fourth stage (L4) in its subcutaneous tissue over a period of three to four days. The L4 then makes its way to the larger blood vessels over the best fifty to seventy days, where it matures to the fifth stage (L5). It then passes on to the heart and lungs of the dog and reaches the pulmonary artery, where they mature into the final adult stage. The female and male heartworms then mature, mate and produce the first stage of microfilaria within 6 to 7 months of the mosquito bite.

How to Prevent Heartworms in Dogs?

Heartworm disease can be fatal for dogs. Therefore, it is crucial for dog parents to invest in heartworm preventives as treating heartworms can be complicated, expensive and involve frequent veterinary visits.

Preventives are safe, affordable and easy to administer. They come in various forms, including oral chews, tablets and topical treatments. While some heartworm preventives are formulated to prevent heartworm disease only, others are designed to protect against fleas, ticks and intestinal worms too.

Some of the most effective heartworm preventives for dogs are Heartgard Plus, Valuheart and Nuheart. You may seek your vet’s advice to determine a suitable heartworm preventive for your pooch.

Heartgard Plus

Heartgard Plus comes in the form of highly palatable beef-flavored chewables. It is specifically formulated to prevent heartworm infection in dogs. The formula also treats and controls hookworm and roundworm infection in canines. Composed of Ivermectin and Pyrantel as its active ingredients, Heartgard Plus is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.

Valuheart

Valuheart is a highly effective heartworm preventive designed for monthly administration. It is composed of ivermectin as its active ingredient and helps eliminate the immature stage of heartworm larvae that infect a dog. The formula comes in the form of easy-to-consume tablets and is suitable for dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.

Nuheart

Nuheart comes in the form of easy-to-administer tablets and protects dogs against heartworms for a complete month. Composed of ivermectin as its active ingredient, the product comes in a highly palatable meat flavor. It can be safely used in dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age.

Tips to Prevent Heartworms in Dogs

Besides administering heartworm preventives, below are some of the easy ways to prevent heartworm infection in dogs.

  • Scheduling Annual Heartworm Test

An annual heartworm check is highly important for early detection of heartworm infection. It involves a blood test, which helps the vet detect any potential infection before it becomes severe.

  • Minimizing Mosquito Exposure

To keep your dog safe from heartworm infestation, it is important that you minimize its exposure to mosquitoes, which is generally at dusk and dawn. You should also eliminate any standing water in containers, buckets and reservoirs, which are breeding grounds for the insects. You may also keep your windows and doors screened to prevent mosquitoes from barging into your home.

  • Using Mosquito Repellent

If you are not able to prevent your pooch from getting exposed to mosquitoes, you can use a mosquito repellent that works well to prevent the bugging insects from biting your pet.

Wrapping Up

As a dog parent, it is crucial for you to be aware of the symptoms of heartworm disease and seek medical help when required. By administering preventives, you will be able to ensure your doggo’s well-being and a heartworm-free, healthy life.

At PetCareSupplies, we carry a wide range of heartworm preventives at the best prices. Check out our online store to enjoy unbeatable deals on your preferred products from the comfort of your home.