Heartworm disease is a severe and possibly deadly condition caused by parasitic worms that mainly infect dogs.
Heartworm disease is a severe and possibly deadly condition caused by parasitic worms that mainly infect canines. Understanding how dogs contract heartworm disease, recognizing early warning signs, and executing actual prevention strategies are significant responsibilities for every dog owner.
What Increases the Risk of Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
Geographic Location
A dog’s risk of getting this disease depends significantly on location. The frequency of heartworm disease is highest in areas with hot, humid climates that support large mosquito populations. Canines living in or traveling to these endemic regions experience significantly higher exposure risk.
Mosquito Activity Cycles
Transmission follows seasonal patterns according to mosquito activity cycles. For instance, mosquitoes are active all year in southern states with mild winters, while northern areas typically see mosquito transmission limited to summer and early fall months. This is why year-round prevention is advisable, regardless of location.
If Your Dog Spends Most of the Time Outdoors
Outdoor canines encounter more mosquitoes daily, particularly during dawn and dusk, when mosquito activity heightens. Hunting dogs, working dogs, and those with access to outdoor kennels or yards experience increased mosquito exposure. Even bathroom breaks or short walks during high mosquito activity periods can augment transmission opportunities.
Lack of Preventative Medicine
The highest risk factor for infection is the lack of regular heartworm preventative medication. Dogs with inconsistent prevention, those with missed doses, or pets without preventative regimes experience significantly higher infection risks.
Signs of Heartworm in Dogs
- Dogs with heartworm disease can develop a persistent cough as the parasites impact the lungs and surrounding blood vessels.
- Infected canines usually display a reluctance to exercise and become tired easily.
- As the disease advances, dogs might experience unexplained weight loss or show reduced eating interest despite normal food consumption.
- In advanced cases, dogs can have a pot-bellied appearance due to right-sided heart failure.
- Some dogs might experience labored or quick, shallow breathing patterns, particularly after minimal exertion.
- Pale gums can form, indicating poor circulation.
- In severe cases, dogs might collapse without warning because of blood flow blockage by adult worms.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear to address heartworm disease concerns. Schedule an appointment with Alexander Animal Hospital today for personalized heartworm prevention advice and testing. We are located at 160 Ritchie Highway, Severna Park, MD 21146.
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment. We’re social! Follow us on Facebook, X, and Pinterest for all the latest updates!