What You Should Know About Heart Worms in Dogs

 

As their name suggests heartworms live in the heart of a dog where they can do a lot of damage. It is important for a dog owner to be aware of the dangers of the parasitic heartworm. A responsible dog owner must be alert to the risk of a heartworm infestation and take preventive measures. If an infection is suspected you must seek treatment from your veterinarian.

Heartworms are also known by the Latin name of "Dirofilaria immitis." They normally live in the right ventricle of the heart where they float freely near the blood vessels. They are transmitted by mosquitoes that pass them from dog to dog in their saliva when they bite an animal. So even your dog does not come into contact with other dogs it is at risk. Cats are also prone to them.

An infestation of heartworms goes through four stages. The treatment prescribed by a veterinarian will depend on what stage the dog has reached.

In the first stage a dog that has been infected with heartworms by a mosquito bite will not show any signs of infection. The heartworms will not even show up in a blood test. This is why prevention is important. Speak to your veterinarian about heartworm prevention when your dog is still a puppy. A dog that is older than seven months can have an adverse reaction to treatment. So tackle the issue before it reaches that age.

The worms have to mature and make their way to the heart before they can be spotted by any tests. This is the second stage of the disease. By then the signs of a heartworm infestation can be detected by x-ray. The heartworms damage the blood vessels around the dog's heart and lungs and this can be picked up on an x-ray. The dog may also be short of breath and coughing.

The rate at which damage takes place depends on the number of worms. But it is rare for a dog to be infected by only one worm. A heavy infestation will rapidly cause a blockage of blood flow. This is the third stage. The dog may be showing signs of weight loss. Tests may reveal liver and kidney damage. This is the third stage of the disease.

As the blockage to the blood flow becomes more severe the dog may exhibit symptoms such as pain, shortness of breath, lethargy and hypertension. The dog may even faint. A heart attack is possible.

In the fourth and most serious stage the dog experiences what is known as Vena Cava Syndrome. The dog is in a state of shock and dying. The only possible intervention at this advanced stage is surgery to physically remove the worms. Success is by no means guaranteed.

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5 Things That Will Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy

1. Water. You probably already know that dogs need fresh, clean water at all times. All of us do. But if you want to remove as many toxins as possible from your dog's water and do everything possible to keep him healthy, think about using a water filter. Tap water can

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contain many unhealthy chemicals such as lead and low levels of prescription medications. A water filter or purifier can help remove as many toxins from the water as possible and make the water healthier for you and your dog. 

2. Food. There are an amazing number of dog foods on the market today. Unfortunately, many of them are not made from very healthy ingredients. They may technically pass government standards but they can contain ingredients that you wouldn't want your dog to eat. You can choose healthier food for your dog by doing some research and learning to read dog food labels. Look for foods that contain more meats than fillers. Most of the better foods contain much less corn and other cereal products. It's not necessary to go completely grain-free but you should look for foods that have named meat sources, such as lamb, lamb meal, chicken, chicken meal, and so on. 

You should also avoid foods that contain the preservative ethoxyquin. This same ingredient is used in making tires. It's not something that you want your dog to eat. Instead, look for natural preservatives such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C, citric acid and rosemary. These natural preservatives all have antioxidant properties and are healthier for your dog. 

3. Vet care. Good vet care is, of course, important for your dog's long term health. This means flea control, heartworm prevention and receiving the necessary vaccinations. However, all of these issues are the subject of some debate. Flea control and heartworm prevention often involve using strong chemicals. Some people feel that pets are being over-vaccinated. You should familiarize yourself with these issues and discuss them with your veterinarian. We are not advising you to leave off topical flea control or chewable monthly heartworm prevention. Heartworms can kill dogs and flea infestation can make a dog's life (and their human's) miserable. Vaccinations are necessary, at least at some intervals. We are recommending that you do further reading and talk to your vet about what is necessary for the health of your dog. 

4. Exercise. It's very important that your dog gets the proper exercise. As much as 40 percent of the dogs in the United States are considered to be overweight or obese. This is often because owners overfeed them, give them too many treats and table scraps, and because the dogs don't get enough exercise. Taking your dog out for a daily walk is a good way to help your dog stay in shape. Add a weekly run and your dog will be a much healthier dog. 

5. Spend time with your dog. All of the other things you do for your dog's health -- providing him with good water, food, vet care and exercise -- will be meaningless if you don't spend time with your dog. Enjoying your time together can do more than almost anything else to keep your dog healthy and happy. Dogs have been shown to have a beneficial effect on human health. The same is true of humans and dogs -- we have a beneficial effect on their health. Just petting a dog can improve the way he feels and acts. Spend time with your dog and he will be a happier, healthier dog throughout his life.

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