Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Story on Heartworms
Whether you are a current dog owner, or looking for dogs for sale in your area you need to be aware of the lurking dangers of parasites for your animal. It is a threat, that if not taken seriously by the pet owner, can lead to an extremely ugly illness and potential death for your dog. We are talking about the heartworm parasite specifically. By knowing what symptoms to watch for, and by taking a few preventative steps for your animal, you can save a lot of literal "heart ache" for the dog.
The heartworm parasite is contracted by dogs through the bite of the common mosquito. It takes several months for the symptoms of a heartworm parasite to be detected, even by using a blood test. The parasite, at its most lethal stage, infest and collect in the right ventricle of the animal’s heart as well as the blood vessels, they then multiple and clog the vessels and heart muscle, resulting in heart failure. Just like any disease, the earlier heartworms are diagnosed, the more likely they can be stopped effectively. Veterinarians usually perform a test annually in the month of April for the past mosquito, spawning season. Testing is done through specifically designed blood tests, and or x-rays. Yearly check ups for heartworms are a must.
You can help prevent heartworms for you pet a few ways. Use preventive medications taken from your veterinarian. Puppies should be started on preventative medication by the time they reach 8 weeks of age, then blood tested after they reach 7 months. Avoid mosquito nests, and optimal mosquito breeding locations where your dog spends a lot of time. Watch for symptoms of infection such as abnormal fatigue, not wanting to exercise, nosebleeds, coughing, pneumonia, irritated eyes, and irritated tissue in general.
Heartworm parasites are a problem for dogs in every part of the world, but it is estimated that infection is forty five percent higher along coastal location and bodies of water. This obviously corresponds to the preferable living conditions of the common mosquito. It is not a geographically specific threat. That means these parasites are in your neighborhood right now as a potential hazard for your dog. Have your dog checked yearly, watch for the symptoms, and use the proper preventative medication as prescribed by your vet. You will sleep better, and so will your dog, knowing you are being proactive against this significant threat to your canine.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of online petfinder services. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that will make an excellent addition to the family. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.
The heartworm parasite is contracted by dogs through the bite of the common mosquito. It takes several months for the symptoms of a heartworm parasite to be detected, even by using a blood test. The parasite, at its most lethal stage, infest and collect in the right ventricle of the animal’s heart as well as the blood vessels, they then multiple and clog the vessels and heart muscle, resulting in heart failure. Just like any disease, the earlier heartworms are diagnosed, the more likely they can be stopped effectively. Veterinarians usually perform a test annually in the month of April for the past mosquito, spawning season. Testing is done through specifically designed blood tests, and or x-rays. Yearly check ups for heartworms are a must.
You can help prevent heartworms for you pet a few ways. Use preventive medications taken from your veterinarian. Puppies should be started on preventative medication by the time they reach 8 weeks of age, then blood tested after they reach 7 months. Avoid mosquito nests, and optimal mosquito breeding locations where your dog spends a lot of time. Watch for symptoms of infection such as abnormal fatigue, not wanting to exercise, nosebleeds, coughing, pneumonia, irritated eyes, and irritated tissue in general.
Heartworm parasites are a problem for dogs in every part of the world, but it is estimated that infection is forty five percent higher along coastal location and bodies of water. This obviously corresponds to the preferable living conditions of the common mosquito. It is not a geographically specific threat. That means these parasites are in your neighborhood right now as a potential hazard for your dog. Have your dog checked yearly, watch for the symptoms, and use the proper preventative medication as prescribed by your vet. You will sleep better, and so will your dog, knowing you are being proactive against this significant threat to your canine.
About the Author: Dean Burton is the owner of MyDreamPuppy.com, a leading provider of online petfinder services. You can find a variety of dogs for sale that will make an excellent addition to the family. For more information, please visit MyDreamPuppy.com.
Labels: dogs for sale, heartworms, pets
// posted by Dean Burton @ 5:49 PM 
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