What are the effects of heart worms for dogs?

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs and other animals. It is caused by a parasite called the Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted to dogs through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The parasite lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of infected dogs, where it can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and other organs. Heartworms can also cause a number of health problems, including:

* Weight loss

* Coughing

* Difficulty breathing

* Fatigue

* Lethargy

* Depression

* Heart failure

* Death

Heartworm disease can be prevented by using monthly heartworm prevention medication and having your dog tested for heartworms annually. If your dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease, treatment is available but can be expensive and time-consuming.