Heartworm Information

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Dirofilaria immitis, also known as the heartworm is a rather large, thin and white worm that looks very similar to a spaghetti noodle. This worm can grow anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in length. This parasite will live in the pulmonary arteries of infected dogs. Dogs are most commonly affected by heartworms, although many other animals can be affected too.

How heartworms are transmitted

Heartworm eggs will flow throughout an animals blood stream. When a mosquito bits an infected infected animal they can become larval heartworm carriers. When an infected mosquito bites another dog they can pass the heartworms to their new host. There are certain areas that have a high concentration of heartworm problems. There must be certain conditions in place in order for an area to become a heartworm hot spot.
heartworm medicine heartworm medicine for dogs
Conditions for spreading heartworms

  1. There must be a certain type of mosquito, capable of carrying heartworm larva, in the area.

  2. There must be the proper climate for the development of the heartworm larva.

  3. There must be infected animals in the area to pass the parasite on.

  4. There must be uninfected animals in the area to continue the parasites life cycle.

Heartworms are a very serious problem for dogs and must be addressed promptly with proper heartworm medicine and treatment.


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Heartworm Medicine for Dogs

What are heartworms?

Heartworms (Dirofilaria Immitis) are rather large worms that live in your dogs heart. They can also be found in many other animals although dogs are the most common pet affected by this parasite. This long worm resembles a thin spaghetti noodle and can grow anywhere from six to 10 inches. These destructive parasites can only be treated with proper heartworm medicine.