Tips on how to prevent Canine heartworm disease in dogs

Canine heartworm is a serious disease caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) in the arteries of the heart and lungs of dogs. Adult heartworms reproduce and release larvae called microfilaria in the blood of infected dogs. The larvae are passed from one dog to another by mosquitoes. Heartworm damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys, and often death.
Heartworm Cycle

    * A mosquito bites a dog infected with heartworm
    * Now carrying infectious mosquitoes (carriers of microfilariae) bites another dog and blight
    * Transferred microfilariae migrate through the skin and tissues of the dog ends up in the bloodstream, where they grow into adult worms and settle in the arteries of the lungs and heart, a process that takes about six months.
    * These worms reproduce, start the cycle again.
A dog infected with heartworms should be treated, or it is fatal. A simple blood test shows a positive or negative outcome for an animal. If results are positive, treatment will begin immediately, unless the disease has progressed too far.
Processing involves killing the adult worms. Doses of an arsenic compound to be used by its own side effects. Dogs must be treated as inactive as possible on their system, so the dead worms to catch. Once adult worms are dead, further treatment is needed to kill microfilariae. Follow-up blood tests to ensure the treatments were a success.
As bad as this disease is good news: heartworm disease is completely preventable! By administering a monthly heartworm preventative treatment for your dog, you will protect her against this disease. So all you have to do is maintain monthly treatments. It's simple. There is no reason for your beloved pet suffer.
Contact your veterinarian about heartworm preventative treatment for your dog. Remember it is your responsibility to care for your dog and keep her healthy and happy!
Always seek medical help and advice from your veterinarian.