Heart worm is a common problem with dogs, and it is a dangerous dog disease. There are many questions one might have about heart worm disease in dogs, and its effects on different breeds. One must also know that the heart worm disease does not only affect dogs, it affects other animals as well, these include cats, horses, foxes etc. This dog disease is curable and preventable you can find more details about heart worm disease in another article linked here. In this article we will try to answer some of the common questions related to heart worm disease.
What are the common Symptoms of Heart Worm Disease?
Common Symptoms of heart worm disease in dogs include, constant coughing, heavy breathing, panting and laziness in dogs.
What is an effective drug to prevent heart worm disease?
Ivermectin (also available in injection form) and milbemycin oxime are one of the most common drugs used to prevent heart worm disease in dogs. Prophylaxis can prevent heart worm disease in dogs as well as hook worms, whip worms, and round worms.Additionally, the forms for external application are also
available. The cost factor needs to be worked out for all these treatments.
What is the frequency of drug used for prophylaxis?
One month before the mosquito season and up to two months after the mosquito season, ivermectin or milbemycin oxime may be given once monthly for the prophylaxis. Diethylcarbamazine may be used for therapy purpose.
Is there a particular size for heart worm disease worms?
Although the size varies but in females the size is about twenty seven centimeters, and in males the worm can be seventeen centimeters in length.
What spreads the heart worm disease in dogs?
The main cause for the spread of heart worm disease in dogs in mosquitoes and mosquito bites. Larvae in the third stage is transmitted to host dogs through mosquito bites.
Where does heart worm disease occur?
Heart worm disease is common all over the world and is not limited to certain areas like some other dog diseases. In some areas however the presence of heart worm disease in less because of lower temperatures that prevent the mosquitoes from being present. Usually a dirtier environment with a large presence of mosquitoes can be bad for the spread of the heart worm disease.
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