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When it comes to protecting our furry
friends against parasites, most dog parents believe that simply keeping them
indoors will protect them from all dangers. However, that’s far from the truth,
especially for heartworm disease. Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito
bites, and these pesky insects can easily find their way into your homes.
Moreover, unlike fleas and ticks,
heartworms are not visible to the naked eye and can go undetected for a long
time. You won’t see the disease coming, and by the time you recognize the
illness, it might be too late for your beloved pooch.
Therefore, it’s crucial to protect your dog against heartworms regardless of the environment. In this blog, we’ll understand the fundamentals of heartworm disease, common symptoms, and the importance of heartworm prevention.
Let’s start with the fundamentals!
What is Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
Heartworm disease is a potentially
fatal condition that is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis.
The parasite enters the dog when an infected mosquito carrying the heartworm
larvae, bites the dog and transmits heartworm larvae (microfilariae). These
worms grow up to a foot long or more and live inside the heart, lungs, and
associated blood vessels.
Over time, the infected dog can suffer
from severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage to the other organs. If left
untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal for your dog, making prevention a top
priority for dog parents.
Common Symptoms of Heartworm Disease
Here are the tell-tale signs of
heartworm disease in dogs:
- Persistent Cough
- Lethargy and reluctance
to exercise - Weight loss
- Breathing difficulties
- Collapse
- Sudden collapse or death
Do Indoor Dogs Need Heartworm Prevention?
Yes, absolutely! Even if your dog
stays inside most of the time, they are still not fully protected against the
risk of heartworm disease. Even a single bite from an infected mosquito can
transmit the parasite, and mosquitoes can easily find their way into your home.
Moreover, your dog will still go
outside sometimes, be it for walks, bathroom breaks, or playtime. In such
cases, your dog is exposed to mosquitoes and is at risk of contracting
heartworm disease, making prevention imperative.
Preventive Tips to Protect Your Dog
from Heartworm Disease
Now that you know how crucial it is to
protect your pooch against heartworms even if they stay indoors, let’s dive
into some practical tips to keep your furry friend safe.
- Keep up regular visits to your vet and practice regular heartworm testing for early detection.
- Use year-round prevention as recommended by your vet and stay consistent with doses.
- Use preventive treatments such as Advantage Multi, Comfortis Plus, or Heartgard Plus.
- Reduce your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes with screens on windows and doors.
- Keep your yard and surroundings clean, plus clear standing water.
- Keep up with the flea and tick treatments.
- Use mosquito traps and pet-safe repellents in spaces where your dog spends time.
Also Read : HeartWormer: Why Prevention is Better Than Treatment?
Parting Words
Heartworm prevention is critical for
your dog, whether they live indoors or outdoors. By understanding the
fundamentals of heartworm, common symptoms, and preventive measures, you can be
of greater help to your furry friend. Prevention comes in different forms,
including oral tablets/chewables, topical treatments, or injectable treatments.
However, it’s best to consult your vet, as they can provide a suitable
treatment and plan to protect your dog and keep them healthy.
David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.
