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If left untreated, the animal will find exertion harder and may faint under physical strain or experience extreme breathlessness. Eventually the animal can die of heart failure or failure of the kidneys, lungs and liver as the parasites also damage these organs. Treatment is possible, but it is lengthy (18 months or more). It is also unpleasant for the animal, usually involving an arsenic compound or other heavy duty heartworm meds to kill the parasites, and may even require surgery. For the vast majority of the infection, you may not notice any symptoms. There are no noticeable symptoms of this infection during most of the infectious period. The dog heartworm has a lifespan of about 6 to 7 months, starting from the time when the animal is first infected via mosquito bite, all the way to the parasite invading the heart. When mature, the females can reach 30cm in length while the males tend more toward 23cm. Mating occurs after seven months, and the females will have started producing microfilariae. Though heart worms used to only affect the warmer climates in southern parts of the world, they now affect any place that is habitable for mosquitoes. Obviously, prevention of heartworms is far simpler and more effective than treatment after infection. Heartgard, a monthly prophylactic medication, contains ivermectin, a broad-spectrum anti-parasitic. Heartgard is popular for its ease of use, its relative inexpensiveness, and its effectiveness. Milbemycin, which is the active ingredient in the heartworm treatment Interceptor, and moxidectin, which is the active ingredient in ProHeart, are two other heartworm preventatives. Heartgard Plus is the most popular anti-heartworm medication. One can also treat heartworms and similar other parasites by the use of a topical application such as Revolution, which not only controls heartworm, but also serves to control fleas and other parasites. Heartworm prevention is so easy and effective, there is simply no reason to risk your pet's health. To get your dog checked out, see your vet. A blood test is the most common diagnostic tool, and medications can prevent and cure the infection if one is discovered. X-rays may be necessary for the vet to see the full extent of infection, should your animal test positive for heartworms. Remember, especially in the case of heartworm infections, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Bring up canine heart worm at your dog's next routine check up and get the information you need. It will be cheaper and much better for your pet not to risk their health by short term economy. Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com
About the author: Rebecca Foxton wants to help you bring your pet brilliant health with Heartgard Plus. Check out her nutrition tips for people with dogs and cats and read her FortiFlora article series on Dog Buffs.
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