Heartworm Causes and Treatment
Heartworm Causes and Treatment Heartworm disease, caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, is a life-threatening condition every dog owner should know about. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about heartworm disease—from its causes and symptoms to treatments, prevention tips, and cutting-edge research insights. What Causes Heartworm Disease in Dogs? Heartworm disease starts with a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes act as carriers for this parasite, transferring larvae from infected animals to healthy dogs. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how heartworm disease develops: Infection Begins: Mosquitoes ingest microfilariae (baby heartworms) when they bite an infected animal. Development Inside Mosquitoes: Over 10-14 days, these microfilariae mature into infectious larvae inside the mosquito. Transmission to Dogs: Infectious larvae enter a dog's body through a mosquito bite and begin migrating through tissues. Maturation: Larvae reach the hea...