Heartworm disease is 99% preventable through the use of one of the trusted and veterinarian recommend types of heartworm medicine for dogs. These medications are usually comprised of ivermectin and taken orally once a month. Heartworm pills such as Heartgard Plus for Dogs have been shown to be extremely effective in preventing heartworm disease, which is always desirable rather than waiting to treat a dog who is already experiencing the effect of heartworms.
The treatment of heartworm disease is comprised of two intramuscular injections in the space between two specific vertebrae in the back. The treatment can be painful, and post treatment complications are likely. These may include conditions such as pulmonary embolism from the passing of dying worms. This can cause instant death in a dog undergoing treatment – that’s why prevention is so important.
Heartgard Plus for Dogs is an ivermectin based heartworm preventative that also includes pyrantel pamoate. This is added in order to control other internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms. These parasites are all commonly found in the intestinal tract of canines, especially those who are primarily housed outside. Heartguard Plus has an 99.9% efficacy rate for preventing heartworm disease, provided that it is used as directed. But what exactly is this potentially fatal condition?
Heartworm disease is a prevalent condition in canines that is transmitted from dog to dog by an infected mosquito bite. A dog that has heartworm disease has an adult worm infestation in its heart. As these worms reproduce, they release their offspring, or microfilarae, into the bloodstream, where they begin to circulate. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it draws the microfilarae up along with the blood as it feeds. The microfilarae remain in the mosquito until it bites another canine, starting the cycle all over again.
Heartworm is devastating to the infected dog, in that the worms reduce the amount of blood that can circulate through the body. The canine is usually exercise intolerant because they are unable to properly oxygenate their cells. Infected dogs have been shown to suffer from premature deaths due to a host of health issues. These include aneurysms, blood clots, worm clots, heart disease and many other complications.
Heartworm disease in dogs is a problem in all fifty states, especially during warm weather. However, mosquitoes have been known to be active in a number of conditions, even in the middle of winter in the southern part of the United States. Indoor dogs are just as susceptible as outdoor dogs, as mosquitoes travel indoors quite often. Although canines are considered to be their primary hosts, heart worms can affect virtually any warm-blooded animal under the right circumstances, including humans.
It is considered to be standard protocol to test test annually for heartworm disease, whether preventative heartworm medicine for dogs is being used or not. These periodic veterinarian administered tests help to ensure that your pet continues to test negative for the disease. Begin your pet on Heartgard Plus for Dogs, or another form of heartworm medicine for dogs, as early as 12 weeks old. They should remain on the treatment year round as the most effective course of prevention.
