Heartworm disease is a serious condition that affects many types of animals, including dogs. It is indiscriminate and can lead to death if the case is severe enough or left untreated. If you are a dog owner, you'll want to know the signs of heartworm. Generally, vomiting is not a sign of the disease.
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Time Frame
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Mosquitoes transmit heartworms from dog to dog. First, the mosquito bites an infected dog and ingests microfilaria. These are the tiny offspring created by adult heartworms. Then, for two weeks, the microfilaria develop into larvae and become infective. Once the mosquito bites another dog, the larvae pass to the dog and, over the next two or three months, the larvae grow and move all over the body before finally setting up camp in the heart and blood vessels.
Geography
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Anywhere mosquitoes live, heartworm disease thrives. That means, if you live near a river or lake that attracts mosquitoes, your pet may be more susceptible to heartworm.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of heartworm can be severe if there are a lot of worms in the body. Coughing and trouble breathing are some of the most common symptoms. Intolerance to exercise is another sign. Vomiting, however, is not a sign of heartworm. The worms do not infect the stomach or intestines. They tend to stick with the heart, blood vessels and lungs.
Prevention/Solution
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The only way to truly prevent a dog from getting heartworm is to purchase heartworm medication from the vet. This is a monthly pill that is effective in preventing the disease. Keeping your dog inside is not the best plan because mosquitoes can still enter the house.
Considerations
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Vomiting in dogs may not be a symptom of heartworm, but it certainly is a concern if he recently took a heartworm pill. Dogs that vomit up the medicine may not get the right dosage and, therefore, may not be fully protect against heartworm.
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