Yes, these worms can damage heart valves and heart muscle and otherwise simply impede blood flow by being in the way all of which can lead to congestive heart failure.
There is no heartworm vaccination. Dogs and cats can take monthly oral preventatives to keep them from developing a heartworm infection.
yes
Yes. Vaccines do not prevent heartworm infections in dogs, so dogs who are vaccinated still need to be on a heartworm preventative.
We are unsure of the exact number because a) many stray dogs die of heartworm disease each year and b) even dogs who have owners die mysteriously at home and the exact cause is never known. The only way to keep your dog safe is to administer a monthly heartworm preventative to your dog. Ask your veterinarian which one he/she recommends, but some common ones are Sentinel, Interceptor, Heartgard, and Advantage Multi. Also, for you cat owners, don't forget about your furry four-legged friend. Cats get heartworm disease too, and because there is currently NO treatment for heartworm disease in cats, it is even more important for them to receive monthly preventative. Ask your veterinarian about using monthly Revolution for your cat. Go to http://ww.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=0&aid=600 for some interesting statistics on heartworm disease in dogs and cats.
Some of my dogs refuse to eat it and others throw up if they do eat it.
The technical medical terminology for a heartworm is a filarial worm of the genus Dirofilaria. Generally speaking, it is a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes that affects dogs.
No, that is highly improbable because heartworms reside in the heart rather than in the GI tract.
If your dog is heartworm positive, then he or she should be treated by your Veterinarian for the problem, if possible. Ask your Vet if it is ok. I think it is but again check with your Vet first. Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworm. All dogs & cats should be kept on a heartworm once a month preventive year around plus a once a month flea preventative which also keeps off ticks & mosquitoes.
unfortunately for us dog owners, it is. the disease is transmitted by mosquitos, so have your dog take anti heartworm medication before the mosquito season. better take the dog to the vet for a thorough evaluation. a dog can have heartworms but show no symptoms.
Heartguard itself isn't necessary for dogs,but some form of heartworm prevention should be given monthly whether it is heartguard or a different brand. Heartworm disease is caused by mosquitos and since they're everywhere,ones pets should be on heartworm prevention. It is less expensive in the long run to prevent then it is to cure.
A heart worm parasite is spread by infected mosquitos. The mosquitos are infected in warm months by the eggs of the worm, and the mosquitos bite the dogs/cats/animals to infect them with the heartworm.
parvo parvo or heartworm