Heartworm in dogs is undoubtedly one of the biggest concerns of every guardian. It is not for nothing that deworming is recommended for puppies in the first months of life. Among the types of worms that can affect the health of the dog, heartworm is the most worrying of all because, as its name implies, it can lodge in the animal's cardiovascular system. Heartworm infectionCanine distemper is a serious but little-known problem, so we've put together 10 questions and answers on the subject.

1) What is canine heartworm disease?

Despite its difficult and often strange name, heartworm disease is also known as heartworm disease. It is a zoonosis that is caused by a parasite (Dirofilaria immitis) that lodges in the most vital organ of the dog's body: the heart. It is considered a very serious disease that needs to be controlled and treated in time to ensure the animal's survival.affected.

2) How does the transmission of this worm in dogs occur?

Many guardians wonder how their dog "catches" heartworm, and the answer to this is simple: the transmission of the disease occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These, in turn, can be of different species, and even Aedes aegypti enters this list. Then, when it comes into contact with a sick animal, the mosquito starts to carry microfilariae in its body. When hebites a healthy dog, these microfilariae are deposited in the dog's bloodstream.

3) Can dogs living in apartments develop canine heartworm disease?

Yes, any dog can be infected by a mosquito transmitter. Those who live in coastal regions or near forests and rivers usually suffer greater exposure and are therefore more vulnerable. However, nothing prevents dogs living in urban centers away from the beach from contracting the worm. A simple walk with the dog or carelessness with the windows open can attract a mosquitonear your friend, and it is very difficult to know when the insect is a carrier of canine heartworm disease or not.

4) What are the main symptoms of ringworm in dogs?

In a general case of a dog with heartworm, the animal may show a series of signs that are quite noticeable, such as the presence of vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, the lack of appetite in sick dogs is something very common, which can lead them to loss of weight and energy. When these symptoms of heartworm in dogs are observed, it is essential to take your friend for a medical consultation.

5) How to know if the dog has canine heartworm disease?

At the very beginning, canine heartworm disease is a silent disease because the microfilariae deposited in the dog's body have not yet fully developed. Therefore, it is only after 6 months of infection - when the larvae become "adult" - that it is possible to notice some symptoms. Puppy cough is quite common in this condition, as well as tiredness, reluctance to walk or to take a walk.exercise and breathing difficulties.

6) How is canine heartworm disease diagnosed?

There are several tests available to detect the worm in dogs and one of the most recommended is the 4DX blood test, which is able to quickly indicate whether or not there is contamination of the disease. In addition to it, the antigen test is also another possibility, since blood counts do not always indicate the presence of microfilariae in the first months of infection. One of the most common tests is called aELISA, which looks at whether antibodies against the microorganism are produced in the animal's body. Echocardiograms and chest X-rays may also be requested to identify whether the dog's organs are compromised.

7) Is dewormer for dogs the best treatment option?

Incredibly, deworming dogs is not the most recommended for infected puppies. This may even be a good preventive measure, but if the puppy already has heartworm lodged in its body, the common dewormer is not so effective and the best way to treat is with medicines prescribed by the veterinarian. He will analyze the situation of the puppy and, according to theThe duration of treatment can also vary, and in more complex cases of heart failure, the dog may have to take medication for the rest of his life.

8) Heartworm: how long can dogs suffer from heartworm infestation?

Even though this is a silent disease at first, the microfilariae reach maturity after six months and begin a constant reproduction process, releasing more and more microfilariae into the animal's bloodstream. Once lodged in the dog, these parasites can live up to seven years, making them a huge health risk for dogs and can even lead todeath if there is no proper treatment during this period.

9) Does dewormer for dogs help prevent the disease?

This is actually one of the best ways to ward off any possibility of a wormy dog, but it's not just any dewormer. The dog needs to take a monthly dewormer that not only acts against the most well-known worms, but also protects against microfilariae. That's why it's essential to talk to a specialist before buying any medicine thinking it will help.It is also important not to delay the medication, because every month that the dog is without taking the dog dewormer is equivalent to three months of vulnerability.

10) In addition to deworming, do dogs need repellents to prevent heartworm disease?

In fact, the regularity of dewormers can prevent the presence of heartworm, but it is still important to invest in strategies that keep mosquito bites away, especially in coastal regions or with a lot of forest around. For this, repellents are a very effective alternative, and the best of all is that, in addition to specific products for dogs, it is also possible toinvest in accessories that guarantee the same effect, such as the anti-parasite collar.