Heartworm disease is caused by heartworms, which are small, parasitic worms that primarily infect dogs. Heartworms can also affect cats and ferrets. Scientifically, heartworms are called Dirofilaria immitis and they are a type of roundworm. However, if you believe your dog is suffering from heartworms, contact a veterinarian right away. Live in or near Mission, BC, or Maple Ridge, BC? Stop by the Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital. Even if your pet is not currently suffering from heartworms, heartworm prevention is vital to safeguarding its health.
A Quick Look at Dirofilaria Immitis
Dirofilaria immitis cause heartworm disease. If caught early, heartworm disease can be treated with the appropriate medication. If heartworm disease reaches an advanced stage, the prognosis is poor and treatment is difficult. Vets can perform surgery to physically remove heartworms. However, by then, it may be too late to save your pet’s life.
Heartworms rely on mosquitos to spread. They do not spread via mammal-to-mammal contact. If one of your dogs has heartworms, it’s unlikely that he or she will directly spread it to another pet or person. Instead, heartworms spread via mosquito bites. A mosquito will bite an infected dog. While drawing blood, heartworms will enter the mosquito and hitch a ride. From there, the mosquito can spread heartworms to other animals. Heartworm prevention is important even if your dog spends most of its time indoors.
Heartworm Prevention in Mission, BC, and Maple Ridge, BC
Want to learn about heartworm prevention and treatment? Live in or near Mission, BC, or Maple Ridge, BC? Call Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital today at (604) 286-0160 for more information or to schedule an appointment with our veterinarian.