Keep Your Dog Heart Healthy
Heartworms are parasites that live in the heart of dogs. A dog can become infected through the bite of a mosquito and infestation can be transferred from one dog to another in like manner. The worms travel through the animal’s blood until eventually reaching and settling in the heart.
Coughing and difficulty breathing can be symptoms that the dog is infected with heartworms. If left untreated it can lead to heart failure and death. A few worms may not cause any immediate problem and the dog may not exhibit any signs of infestation. Dogs that remain outdoors all of the time may be more prone to become infected than indoor dogs. Although cats may become infected also, heartworm infestation is much more likely to occur in dogs.
If only a few worms are present the dog may not need immediate treatment but prevention is best and early treatment may prove the best course of action for the animal. Heartworm infestation is serious and should not be left untreated for any length of time. It can be very debilitating for an animal that is otherwise ill or elderly. Once diagnosed, hospitalization may be required for the pet suffering from such an infestation.
While there are preventive drugs that can be administered a veterinarian should be consulted since many of these drugs have undesirable side effects that can affect the animal’s well being as well. As with any illness, healthy dogs may have a better resistance to such infestations. A strong immunity is a good defense against illness. You can boost your pet’s immunity by feeding your dog a healthy diet and making sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. Your veterinarian can suggest vitamin supplements if necessary.
While diet and exercise alone cannot prevent heartworms, proper nutrition can help your dog’s body to be better prepared to fight against infection and infestation. Although there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of heartworm you can talk to your veterinarian about the use of preventive medication and if at all possible try not to leave your dog outside all of the time. Get informed about heartworm and help your dog to live a long and healthy life.
Copyright © 2006, Ian White
Coughing and difficulty breathing can be symptoms that the dog is infected with heartworms. If left untreated it can lead to heart failure and death. A few worms may not cause any immediate problem and the dog may not exhibit any signs of infestation. Dogs that remain outdoors all of the time may be more prone to become infected than indoor dogs. Although cats may become infected also, heartworm infestation is much more likely to occur in dogs.
If only a few worms are present the dog may not need immediate treatment but prevention is best and early treatment may prove the best course of action for the animal. Heartworm infestation is serious and should not be left untreated for any length of time. It can be very debilitating for an animal that is otherwise ill or elderly. Once diagnosed, hospitalization may be required for the pet suffering from such an infestation.
While there are preventive drugs that can be administered a veterinarian should be consulted since many of these drugs have undesirable side effects that can affect the animal’s well being as well. As with any illness, healthy dogs may have a better resistance to such infestations. A strong immunity is a good defense against illness. You can boost your pet’s immunity by feeding your dog a healthy diet and making sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. Your veterinarian can suggest vitamin supplements if necessary.
While diet and exercise alone cannot prevent heartworms, proper nutrition can help your dog’s body to be better prepared to fight against infection and infestation. Although there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of heartworm you can talk to your veterinarian about the use of preventive medication and if at all possible try not to leave your dog outside all of the time. Get informed about heartworm and help your dog to live a long and healthy life.
Copyright © 2006, Ian White
posted by Ian White, Housecarers | 5:17 PM
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