Heartgard

Heartworm is a filarial parasite caused by the species Dirofilaria immitis. The heartworm parasite appears like a threadworm that infects dogs, cats and other mammals through mosquito bites.

When a mosquito has bitten into a dog or cat, which is infected with heartworm, the heartworm microfilariae comes with the blood sucked by the mosquito. The heartworm microfilariae develop into the larval forms in the gut of the mosquito. This development can take two to six weeks depending on the environmental conditions. The heartworm larval forms then migrate to the mosquito’s head, ready to be injected to the next mosquito bite victim.

Heartworm can damage the dog’s heart leading to congestive heart failure. In rare cases, heartworms may also infect the other organs in the body, such as the lungs, the liver, the kidneys and even the brain. Due to the damage that heartworm can do to the body, it is important that steps on heartworm prevention should be taken.

Heartworm prevention can be done by reducing your dog’s exposure to mosquitoes. As much as possible, never allow your dog to sleep outside the house where it is more vulnerable to mosquito bites. Also, provide appropriate shelter for your dog when it stays in the yard.

Playing is an important part of a dog’s day. This helps the dog exercise its muscles. As a step in heartworm prevention, make sure that the areas in which your dog loves to play are not the same places where mosquitoes breed. Stagnant waters are mosquito breeding grounds. Keep your dog away from these places.

If you suspect that a mosquito bit your dog or if your dog has been exposed to mosquitoes, take the next step in heartworm prevention. Have your dog tested for heartworm infection in order to start heartworm prevention through drug administration the soonest time possible.

Heartworm prevention is easier if no adult forms of the parasite are present yet. Administration of Ivermectin, known commercially as Heartgard, is the best method of larval heartworm prevention. However, administration of this drug may not be done yet if adult forms are already present. If there are adult heartworms, eliminating them should be the immediate step in heartworm prevention prior to Ivermectin administration.

A continuous treatment of Heartgard every thirty days for twelve months will lead to successful heartworm prevention. Follow the recommended dosage strictly and administer the drug on time. These steps will keep your dog safe from heartworm infection.

Tags: Heartworm, Pet, Heartworms, Dogs, Heartgard