heartworms

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All pet owners know about heartworm, but what is it exactly?

Dirofilaria immitis or heartworm is a type of roundworm that lives in an infected dog’s heart, lungs and surrounding veins. If an infected mosquito bites your pup, it can inject the young heartworm into the dog’s body and cause heartworm infestation. These worms can stay alive inside these organs for many years and reach the size of almost 12 inches.

 

You can’t really protect your pooch from ever getting bitten by a mosquito, but what you can do is protect it from heartworm! Luckily, there are many different pills you can find in stores or online shops that sell various dog supplies and medication. These pills have to be taken monthly or every three to six months and are super easy to administer - some come in the shape of chewables that dogs just love!

If you suspect your dog might be infected, don’t do anything yourself, but visit your vet. They will take your pet’s blood sample and check it for heartworm antigens. Your pet might also need to have its x-ray taken, so the vet can check of any heart, artery and lung swelling. In case the worms have entered the heart, an ultrasound can help determine the damage and tell the doctor if your pooch is ready for treatment.