Dogs are the definitive hosts for heartworms. It is a mosquito-borne parasite that can cause serious health issues in dogs. The infection is acquired when a mosquito feeds on an infected dog, ingesting heartworm larvae in the process. When the infected mosquito feeds on another dog, it will inject large numbers of the heartworm larvae. If your dog is on preventative medications, it can kill the larvae at this time. But for unprotected dogs, the larvae in their bodies can mature within 4 weeks at which time they become resistant to any preventative medications. They then migrate to the heart chambers and major blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs where they mature. Adult heartworms then produce larvae that can now be acquired by mosquitoes to infect other dogs.
Dogs with a heavy heartworm population may develop a cough, has a pot-bellied appearance, and undergo significant weight loss. Heavy infestations can be fatal. Some dogs can even diet without showing clinical signs.
Work with your veterinarian Marshall County, MS in creating a heartworm preventive program that will protect your pet through all the months of the year.
