Heartworm Prevention From the Experts

What is Heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that lives within the dog’s heart and adjacent blood vessels in the lungs.

The parasites start their life in dogs as larvae and migrate through the soft tissues beneath the skin before they find their way to lodge in the dog’s heart as adult worms. Adult heartworms are long and slender, often measuring up to an incredible 35cm in length. If unchecked, adult worms cause inflammation of the heart lining and valves and damage the blood vessels leading to and within the lungs.

This makes the heart work harder and harder in order to maintain blood supply throughout the body. Eventually the dog’s heart muscles are weakened to such an extent that heart failure can occur.

How can my dog catch Heartworm disease?

Mosquitoes are responsible for spreading heartworm disease. It only needs a single bite from a carrier mosquito to infect your dog. Wherever carrier mosquitoes are found, heartworm disease is not far away.

How can I tell if my dog has Heartworm disease?

Unfortunately, the symptoms of the disease are not obvious until the infestation is well advanced. Persistent and chronic coughing, laboured breathing, listlessness, weight loss and fatigue are all the common signs to watch for in advanced heartworm infestation. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately to determine the best method of treatment and control.  

How Do Heartworm Tablets Work?

Heartworm tablets, such as Proheart, kill the larval stages of heartworm when they are migrating beneath the skin, before they have a chance to grow to adult parasites and invade your dog’s heart.

Regular treatment eliminates developing parasites but will not kill adult worms. A simple blood test by a Vet can determine whether a dog has adult heartworms. This should be conducted before heartworm prevention is commenced.

If you would like to educate your customers on the dangers of heartworm disease, Dr Neil’s has Heartworm brochures available, as well as a limited number of Merchandising Displays.  If you would like to receive any brochures, give Dr Neil’s a call and they will arrange delivery of some brochures.