Discussing Dog Heartworm with Pine Hollow Veterinary Services
What are heartworms in dogs?
Heartworms are parasites that enter the bloodstream of dogs and eventually travel to the lungs and the heart.
How does a dog get heartworm disease?
All it takes is one mosquito bite. An infected mosquito will bite a dog and transfer microscopic larvae called microfilaria into the bloodstream. These mature into adult worms that can reach up to 12 inches in length. When there's a male and a female worm present, they can reproduce, spreading heartworm further.
When should I get my dog tested for heartworm?
Once your dog reaches a year old, they should be tested if they've been on heartworm prevention since they were a puppy. We usually test them every year after that. If you miss a dose, a retest is necessary. Also, if a dog hasn't been on heartworm prevention and is at least 6 months old, they should be tested.
Should my dog be on heartworm prevention?
Yes, all dogs 6 weeks and older should be on heartworm prevention year-round.
Is there a treatment for heartworm in dogs?
There is a treatment for heartworm, with two different methods available: a fast kill method and a slow kill method. Only the fast kill method is approved by the FDA and the American Heartworm Society.
What happens if we don't treat heartworms in dogs?
If heartworm is not treated, it will eventually become fatal for the dog.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (814) 756-4441, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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