Heartworms are a parasite that can take up residence in the heart and lungs of an infected animal. Heartworms, if left untreated, can cause massive amounts of damage to a pet's internal organs.
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Transmittion
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Heartworms are transmitted to dogs through bites from infected mosquitos. Heartworms are spread when a mosquito bites an infected animal then bites another animal passing the infected blood along.
Misconceptions
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It is a myth that dogs pass heartworm to one another. Dogs infected with heartworms are not directly contagious to other dogs.
Rarely, a mother dog has passed heartworm larvae to her babies. A mother dog cannot pass heartworm immunity on to puppies.
Prevention/Solution
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Ask your veterinarian for a heartworm preventative for your canine companion. Heartworm infestation and heartworm disease can be prevented with medications available in the form of pills or injections.
Considerations
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Treatment for heartworm is expensive and it does not always work. Prevention is the best course of action.
Warning
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Heartworm disease can be fatal, especially in older dogs. If a heartworm infestation is suspected, take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
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