When they bite, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm infection. And those heartworms can wreak havoc on your dog. These parasites can severely—and sometimes fatally—damage the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some pets may not show any signs of infection; in those that do, symptoms can vary widely.
In dogs, signs of heartworm disease can range from coughing, fatigue, and weight loss to difficulty breathing and a swollen abdomen (caused by fluid accumulation from heart failure). Canine heartworm infection can also lead to a life-threatening complication called “caval syndrome” (a form of liver failure); without prompt surgical intervention, this condition usually causes death.
Treatment for heartworm infection is far more expensive and risky than prevention—and it can actually kill your dog. Fortunately, there’s a way to keep your dog safe: by administering monthly heartworm preventive. Preventatives come in several different forms, including chewable tablets and yearly injections. Many heartworm medications also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, ear mites, fleas, and ticks. If you don’t know where to start, we can recommend a regimen of prevention for your pet during their checkup.