{"id":1525,"date":"2024-08-09T13:48:39","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T20:48:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/?p=1525"},"modified":"2024-08-10T13:50:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-10T20:50:00","slug":"understanding-heartworm-disease-causes-symptoms-and-prevention","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sbahvet.com\/blog\/understanding-heartworm-disease-causes-symptoms-and-prevention\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Heartworm Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Puppy<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes. As parasites, they pick up microscopic worms called Dirofilaria immitis<\/em> in the blood of infected animals during blood meals. Once in their system, mosquitoes deposit the worms directly into the bloodstream of their next target when feeding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm disease is present in all 50 states, and it\u2019s becoming more common. With our protocol for prevention, your pet will never have to suffer the potentially grave consequences of heartworm disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Know the Score<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The process of the parasitic worm\u2019s development can take time. From the silent bite and subsequent infection, pets may not show symptoms for months. During that time, the microscopic worms migrate to the blood vessels in and around the lungs and heart, grow, mature, and reproduce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can take up to 5 months for heartworm disease <\/a>to show up on a blood panel. Because of this, many dogs have advanced heartworm disease by the time they\u2019re diagnosed<\/a>. A decisive and intensive treatment regimen is necessary to stop damage to the internal organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention Vs. Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keeping a pet up to date with their medication is easier and more affordable than treating heartworm disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Year-round parasite prevention medication, dosed on a monthly basis, can eliminate problems associated with mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. If there is a lapse in medication, heartworm testing is required before prescribing and administering further parasite prevention medication<\/a>. If a pet receives medication with an active heartworm infection, they may become very sick, and could even go into shock as the heartworms die. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heartworm treatment<\/a> may involve potentially painful injections. The side effects of the medications concern the sudden deaths of the worms inside their blood vessels, heart, and lungs. Some complications can result from the worms decomposing in the pet\u2019s body. Strict rest<\/strong> is absolutely vital to their ability to recover from heartworm disease and treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Natural Part of Wellness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of heartworm disease can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n