Heartworm disease is a condition that affects cats and dogs around the world. The disease is a result of the presence of heartworms, which are parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs and blood vessels of their host. While heartworm disease is a common concern for canines, heartworms can live in other mammals, and in some rare instances, they have even been found in humans. Without proper treatment, pets with heartworms can develop serious medical complications and may even die as a result of the disease. Because of the potentially fatal nature of heartworm disease, it is incredibly important that proper heartworm prevention measures be taken to protect your pets.

Heartworm disease risks and causes

Heartworm disease is transmitted when mature heartworms produce offspring that circulate through the blood stream of the infected animal. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, they carry the microscopic worms, which then develop into larvae. These larvae are then deposited into the skin of the animal that the mosquito bites. Once larvae enter a new host, it takes them about six months to fully develop into parasitic adult heartworms. Depending on the animal, heartworms can live for over five years in their host.

Although heartworms may be more or less common depending on the area that you live in, there is a chance for infection no matter where you live. The risk increases if you live in an area where there are large numbers of potential heartworm carriers, such as mosquitoes or wolves and coyotes.

Protecting your pets from heartworm disease

In order to keep your pet protected from the complications caused by heartworm disease, it is important that you understand the signs of infection. These signs include a mild persistent cough, fatigue after moderate exercise, a reluctance to exercise, decreased appetite and weight loss. Since symptoms don’t usually appear until the disease has progressed, it is important that you seek help from an animal clinic in D’Iberville, MS right away if you think your pet may be infected.

Since early detection is the key to keeping your pet safe from the dangerous consequences of heartworm disease, regular testing is essential. Dogs should be tested annually for heartworm disease starting when they are seven months old. In order to keep your pet safe from heartworms, you can give them a preventative medication. While preventative treatments aren’t 100 percent effective, they can greatly reduce your pet’s risk of getting infected. Since heartworm disease in cats can be much trickier to spot, your veterinarian may use several different methods to look for signs of the disease, like x-rays or ultrasounds.

Visit an animal clinic in D’Iberville, MS

Protect your pet from heartworm disease and keep them healthy with exceptional veterinary treatment from D’Iberville Veterinary Hospital. We are an animal clinic in D’Iberville, MS providing comprehensive veterinary services, including orthopedic surgeries, spay and neuter procedures, vaccinations, blood work, boarding and grooming. No matter what you need, we are here to help. We accept walk-ins and can even accommodate home or farm calls. Contact us today and set up some time to come see our trained team of veterinary professionals.