Monday, April 9, 2012

Prevent Heartworm in a Dog

By Jimmy Wang


Canines are affected everyday with heartworm disease and if not treated properly can be deadly. The disease spreads when a mosquito bites an infected dog and then bites a healthy one. These tiny worms move into a canine's tissues and then into their heart where they grow and reproduce. These worms are extremely small, moving into a canine's tissues and then onto their heart where they grow and reproduce. Immature heartworms are sent back out into the bloodstream making a tasty meal for another mosquito. Dogs love to be outside and you cannot keep them confined for long. Dogs love the outdoors and require lots of exercise.

As they are exposed to wildlife one must be sure they avoid contact with stray or undomesticated animals. Many dog parks are breeding grounds for heartworms due to owners being oblivious to their own pets being carriers. Rabbit, rodent and bird carcasses carry immature worms and you should prevent all dogs from eating these animals. Many dog parks that are not properly cared for become a breeding ground for heartworms. Carcasses carry immature worms and you should be sure to prevent dogs from eating things such as rabbits, rodents and birds. Some dogs will eat their own feces or that of another animal. These injections should be given on a specific day every month during mosquito breeding season.

The vaccine destroys heartworm larvae prior to full maturity. It needs to be administered on the same day each month during mosquito breeding season. Popular brands of vaccines utilized by veterinarians include Interceptor, Revolution, HeartGard Plus and Sentinel. Never purchase them from an online pet supplier promising cheaper prices, ensure your canine receives the correct kind and dosage. Monthly heartworm prevention has other benefits such as killing intestinal parasites and flea eggs. Preventative treatments can only begin if your dog has tested negative to heartworms.

Having your dog tested for heartworms prior to starting any preventative treatment could mean the difference between life and death. The test consists of a veterinarian taking a few drops of blood and sending it off to a lab. This disease is only detectable after 6 months of exposure; therefore puppies will not be examined. Some veterinarians will want your canine tested every year or every two years dependent upon where you live.

People that live around the Atlantic and Pacific oceans should follow this advice due to the high volume of mosquitoes. Treatment is pricey and will not cure the condition. It is much easier to take preventative steps and avoid any future problems with your canine's health.




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