By taking a few preventative steps, you can protect your dog from getting heartworms.
Protecting your dog’s health is a high priority as a dog owner. It also includes protecting them from the dangers of heartworms. However, you might be wondering how your pup can get heartworms. So, learning more about the condition is vital to better care for your furry friend. In a nutshell, warm weather increases the risk of heartworms because mosquitos usually transmit them. So, how can you protect your dog from getting heartworms?
Mosquitos Transmit Heartworms
Mosquito bites usually spread heartworms to dogs because they can thrive and reproduce in their bodies. This process takes anywhere from 6 to 7 months. In addition, heartworms can live in your dog’s heart for almost 7 years. However, you must seek immediate vet attention if you believe your canine friend has heartworms.
While mosquitos might increase during the warm season, protecting your dog throughout all seasons is crucial. Also, multiple over-the-counter products protect your dog from getting heartworms. Thankfully, you can receive assistance from the Alexander Animal Hospital team. We may suggest your dog take an oral pill once a month or a topical agent. Call us today at 410-777-8678 for a pet wellness appointment!
Stages of Heartworm Disease
According to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FDA), there are 4 stages to this condition:
- During class 1, there are no apparent symptoms. If there are, they typically are in the form of a light cough.
- In class 2, symptoms will begin to form at this stage. Your dog can seem unusually fatigued after an activity or experience an occasional cough.
- Symptoms in class 3 are more noticeable. In this stage, your dog might tire quickly after light activity. They might also have a persistent cough or difficulty breathing.
- Known as caval syndrome, class 4 happens when excessive heartworms block your pup’s blood flow. This often requires emergency surgery. If left untreated, your dog can die.
By taking a few preventative steps, you can protect your dog from getting heartworms.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!