Heartworm Treatment And Prevention for Dogs

If you think heartworms are just microscopic creatures that present little or no harm at all to your dog, think again. A dog with heartworm disease has 6-12-inch worms infesting its heart. These worms will eventually mature and move from the heart to the other organs as well, since the heart pumps blood to the entire body.

Heartworm disease is not to be taken lightly.

No dog, or any animal for that matter, should be made to suffer such a pest as heartworms. This article will present some tips on prevention and heartworm treatment for dogs so that you can help your pet live a long, healthy life.

Tip #1: Don¿t Be Ignorant

More and more dogs are becoming heartworm positive each month - mostly due to misinformed owners. If you really care for your pet, take the time and effort to be in the know about heartworm disease and other dangerous pet diseases.

Tip #2: Prevention Is Better Than Cure

A heartworm-infested pet will not exhibit any recognizable symptoms until it is in its advanced stages in which the heartworm larvae begin to mature; by that time, symptoms might get worse enough and eventually lead to heart failure. DO NOT WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS. There are different types of medication available for the prevention of heartworms in dogs. Make it a habit to give your dog heartworm preventive medicine such as Heartgard or Revolution once a month and give yourself some peace of mind. Also, consult your vet at least once a year to have your dog tested for heartworms.

Tip #3: Know How Sick Your Dog Is

If you suspect your dog to be a victim of heartworms, consult your vet immediately. Dogs with heartworm disease are classified under 4 categories according to risk:

1. Class I: Lowest risk

2. Class II: Moderately Affected

3. Class III: Severely Affected

4. Class IV: Caval Syndrome

Before undergoing heartworm treatment, dogs must be classified under the correct category by your vet. This will determine the type of treatment to be administered. Heartworm disease requires professional and careful medical attention and complete rest at home for your pet afterwards. After treatment, the heartworms in your dog will be dead or dying. There will still be some left in its heart but these will be gradually broken down into smaller pieces until they are small enough to be eliminated by the body. While this process takes place, your dog needs complete rest for at least 5 weeks.

I hope that this article has somewhat informed you of the perils of heartworms in dogs. Never take them for granted; never leave your dog¿s health to chance. You'd rather be playing with your pet than nursing them, wouldn't you?