Heartworm is a scary word for dog and cat owners. It means a hefty vet bill for your wallet and uncertainty for your pet’s future. In the United States, heartworm disease is found in all 50 states. It is most common along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
A heartworm diagnosis can result in several serious health issues in dogs, and also cats. This includes, heart failure, damage to the organs, and even lung disease. But, what causes heartworm? In short, this scary diagnosis is brought on by a parasite called Dirofilaria Immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
The Heartworm Life Cycle
The parasitic worm claims the mosquito as its first host. This means that the parasite has already been living inside of the mosquito before it is transmitted to a new host. The heartworm is then passed on to a dog or cat through the bite of the infected mosquito. As soon as the dog becomes infected, the heartworm will mate and reproduce. Resulting in the release of offspring into the dog’s bloodstream.
After a dog has been infected by a mosquito, it will take 6-7 months for the larvae to become adult heartworms. The heartworms can invade the dog’s heart, lungs, and other organs over the next several years if left untreated. Fully matured heartworms resemble long strings or noodles and can reach up to 12 inches in length.
It is important to note that heartworms depend on the mosquito to transmit them to a new host, this means that even infected dogs cannot spread heartworm to other dogs.
Symptoms in Dogs
Symptoms of heartworm disease may not be obvious in dogs that only have a few heartworms living inside them. Dogs that have many worms can show the following:
- Persistent cough
- Lethargy
- Trouble Breathing
- Caval Syndrome
Caval syndrome means there are so many worms, that the blood flowing back to the heart is physically blocked. This is life-threatening and requires surgery.
Cats Are Also at Risk
Cats can also get heartworms from an infected mosquito, but the risk to them is low compared to dogs. Also, heartworms cannot live as long in cats and often cannot mature to adults. However, because cats are normally smaller than most dogs, just one or two adult worms can be serious.
Cats usually do not show symptoms of a heartworm infestation. Some cats are able rid themselves of heartworms, while others can die suddenly of the disease. The only symptoms that have been documented are vomiting, low activity, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Once a cat is showing symptoms of heartworms, there is little available in the way of treatment.
Heartworm Prevention
For dogs and cats the best option is prevention. Your veterinarian can prescribe drops, pills, and other medications for your pet. It’s important to keep them on some sort of treatment plan year-round.
Also, get rid of any standing water on your property, as mosquitoes need water to breed. However, the most important thing you can do is treat your yard for mosquitoes. So, be sure to contact a professional who will use organic or synthetic options to stop mosquitoes from taking over your pet’s playground.
Get a FREE Quote Today!
Interested in protecting your pet from heartworm? Get a free quote on a mosquito treatment program from Backyard Defenders today!