What causes heartworms in dogs?
Heartworms in dogs are caused by foot-long worms that primarily live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These worms can cause heart failure, lung disease, or other serious health issues in dogs.
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How are heartworms transmitted?
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it picks up microfilariae (baby heartworms). These microfilariae develop into infective larvae within 10-14 days. The mosquito then bites another animal, depositing the larvae into the new host. In regions with a high mosquito population, such as Mississippi, heartworm transmission occurs year-round.
How does my dog's lifestyle affect their risk for heartworms?
Dogs that spend more time outdoors and are more active, such as those going on hikes and walks, are at a higher risk of developing heartworm disease due to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes. However, even indoor dogs can be at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes and bite dogs there.
How significant is my dog's risk for heartworm?
In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.
If you have any other specific questions regarding the causes of heartworms, please consult your local veterinarian. They can provide valuable information and guidance on how to prevent heartworm disease in your dog.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/RidgetowneAnimalClinic/, https://www.instagram.com/ridgetowneanimal/
Dog Heartworm - FAQs
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How soon after infection will a dog show signs of heartworms?
It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.
What are the possible signs that my dog has heartworms?
Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.
Is heartworm disease painful?
No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.
Are heartworms visible?
No, heartworms are not visible. Both the microfilaria (transmitted from the mosquito) and the adult heartworm live inside the heart, lungs, and major vessels. They are not visible when looking at your dog.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the Bridgetown Animal Clinic for more information about heartworm disease and its symptoms in dogs.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/RidgetowneAnimalClinic/, https://www.instagram.com/ridgetowneanimal/
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 2
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How is my dog tested for heartworm disease?
Your dog is tested for heartworm disease by taking a small blood sample. The test can be run in the clinic and will give results usually in about 10 minutes. It is a very accurate test, requiring just a small blood sample.
When should my dog be tested for heartworms?
Dogs under six months typically don't need testing. However, it is recommended to start prevention at eight weeks of age, which is when heartworm preventatives are labeled for use. It can take six months from when they're bitten by an infected mosquito for them to test positive. Testing for heartworm disease should start when your dog is six months of age and then semi-annually thereafter.
How often should my dog be tested?
It is recommended to test your dog twice a year for heartworms. Mississippi and Louisiana have the highest incidence of cases of heartworm disease in dogs in the United States. There are some reports of resistant strains of heartworm disease in Louisiana, so it is essential to ensure that the heartworm prevention products are effective.
If my dog tests positive, do I need additional tests?
There is a confirmatory test that can be sent to an outside lab. The in-clinic tests are very accurate and sensitive, usually around 98 to 99 percent accurate. However, if a pet has consistently been on heartworm prevention and tests positive, a confirmatory test will often be sent out to make sure before starting treatment that they are truly positive.
Which is the most accurate heartworm test?
The most accurate heartworm test is the external lab tests. In-clinic tests are also very accurate, with roughly 98 to 99 percent accuracy.
If my dog's on prevention, do they still need a yearly heartworm test?
Yes, dogs on prevention still need a yearly heartworm test. There are some resistant strains of heartworm, so it is crucial to ensure that your dog is truly negative and that the heartworm preventative is effective. It is recommended to check twice a year, as that's how long it can take for them to test positive after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/RidgetowneAnimalClinic/, https://www.instagram.com/ridgetowneanimal/