Canine Heartworm Treatment

Canine Heartworm Treatment

Canine heartworms, also known as dirofilariasis disease,
can be extremely dangerous or fatal if left untreated.
Heartworms are spawned from mosquitoes, which carry the
parasite and infect other dogs. A veterinarian can
prescribe heartworm preventatives to decrease the chances
of your pet getting this disease. To restrict mosquito
contact, natural methods can be used to keep these insects
at bay.

Canine heartworms are dangerous parasites that live in the
lung arteries and the right side of the heart in dogs. If
left untreated, these long, thin parasitic worms can cause
lung or heart damage, or death. Microfilaria immitis
(heartworm) parasites are carried by mosquitoes. The life
cycle begins by a mosquito biting an infected dog. The
offspring of the heartworm, called microfilariae, begin to
molt inside the mosquito, maturing into infective larvae.
When the mosquito bites another dog, the microfilariae are
injected under the skin, and will molt again in about 10
days. Sixty days later, the microfilariae will molt once
more and begin their journey to the heart and lungs of the
animal. Four months later, the parasites become adult
heartworms.

Heartworms cases have been reported all around the world,
including the United States. In the U.S., the heaviest
concentration of heartworm reports has been in southeastern
states. Dogs may show no sign of heartworm disease until
the infection has become severe. Weight loss, vomiting,
respiratory distress, and lethargy are classic symptoms of
this disease.

Canine heartworm treatment is the best route in preventing
heartworms. These preventative treatments will impede
larvae from becoming adult worms. Some heartworm
preventatives available from a veterinarian include daily
or monthly tablets or chewables, injections every six
months, or monthly topicals.

Keeping your dog indoors more will minimize mosquito
contact, but is not always enough to prevent heartworms.
Using non-toxic sprays or essential oils, such as geranium
oil, can cut down on mosquito contact. All-natural tea
tree, lavender or garlic can also be used as a mosquito
repellent. Maintaining a healthy diet and immune system,
and keeping regular vet checkups, can also help keep
heartworms at bay.

If a dog has already been infected with heartworms, the
treatment can be costly, dangerous, and painful to the
animal. In advanced stages of heartworm disease, there is
no guarantee that the treatment will be effective. Dogs
that are already infected can receive treatments at home.
But, it is best that your dog be hospitalized during canine
heartworm treatment, in case caval syndrome (cardiovascular
collapse) or heart failure occurs. The animal may be
injected with a drug called adulticide and may need to have
several treatments. During this period, heartworm
preventatives should be administered to prevent
re-infection.

Canine heartworm disease can be prevented. Veterinarians
can prescribe medicines to avoid heartworm
infection--preventing long-term damage to the heart or
lungs. If your dog exhibits signs of heartworms, such as
lethargy or vomiting, take them to a vet immediately. They
may need special tretments to kill worms in the heart or
lungs. Heartworm treatment is imperative in helping your
dog live a long, healthy life.

About the Author:

Discover the best and safest canine heartworm treatment
available in the market today, including alternative
heartworm treatment for dogs. Learn all about heartworm
signs and heartworm symptoms to help you how to tell if a
dog has heartworms and extensive heartworm treatment
recovery to keep your pet in the best health possible. Go
to: http://www.canineheartwormcure.com