Heartworm Prevention Is Much Better Than The Cure

Mosquitoes are known to transmit the parasite known as the heartworm among its hosts. Heartworms in canines are a kind of filaris (a long thin worm), and despite being best known for being found in dogs, heartworms can affect a wide variety of other animals, from cats and ferrets to sea lions and even people. The heartworm's name was derived from the fact that its reproductive cycle's last stage occurs within 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.

Obviously, prevention of heartworms is far simpler and more effective than treatment after infection. Heartgard, a monthly prophylactic medication, contains ivermectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic. Heartgard is popular for its ease of use, its relative inexpensiveness, and its effectiveness.

Other heartworm preventatives include milbemycin which can be found in Interceptor heartworm treatment and moxidectin which is the effective ingredient in ProHeart. The most popular of these is Heartgard Plus.

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.)

To get the information you need, ask about the canine heart worm at your dog's next routine check up. Don't risk your pet's health by trying to save money, as it will be more expensive in the long run if they do become infected. Plus your pet will be healthier if you prevent the heart worms in the first place.

About the Author

Author Rebecca Foxton can help you give your pet brilliant health with Heartgard Plus. For an excellent source of nutrition tips for pet owners, read her FortiFlora articles on Dog Buffs.