Table of Contents
What Is Heartworm?
How Heartworm Impacts Your Pet
Symptoms of Heartworm
Heartworm Treatments
Worming Prevention
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Heartworm lifecycle - What Is It and How Does It Impact Your Pet?
- By Deanne
-
- March 4, 2024
- 2 MIN READ
Sadly, there are many different types of worms that can cause problems for our cats and dogs - in this article we’ll discuss heartworm in detail so you’ll know exactly what you're up against and how to prevent your pets from having to deal with it hopefully!
What Is Heartworm?
Heartworm, the name itself carries a sense of dread for pet owners. But what exactly is heartworm? These parasites are called Dirofilaria immitis, and they're long, spaghetti-like worms that primarily infest a dog's heart and lungs, although they can also affect cats. Unlike tapeworms or fleas, heartworms are a more serious threat to your pet's health. Understanding them and their impact is crucial to keeping your furry companion safe and healthy.
How Heartworm Impacts Your Pet
Heartworms can wreak havoc on your pet's health:
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Cardiovascular Damage
As the name suggests, heartworms reside in the heart and blood vessels of your pet. Over time, this infestation can lead to severe cardiovascular damage.
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Respiratory Distress
Heartworms can also infest the lungs, causing respiratory problems and making it difficult for your pet to breathe.
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Reduced Physical Activity
Pets with heartworm infestations may show reduced stamina, exercise intolerance, and a reluctance to engage in physical activities.
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Organ Failure
In severe cases, untreated heartworm infestations can lead to organ failure and, ultimately, death.
Symptoms of Heartworm
Detecting heartworm infestations in your pet can be challenging, as symptoms may not be apparent in the early stages. Wondering, does my dog have heartworm? Here are some common signs to watch for:
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Coughing - A persistent cough, especially during physical activity or excitement, is a common symptom of heartworm infestations.
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Exercise Intolerance - Pets with heartworms may show reluctance to exercise and may tire quickly.
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Respiratory Distress - Heavy breathing, panting, and rapid breathing can indicate heartworm-related respiratory problems.
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Weight Loss - Unexplained weight loss in your pet can be a sign of a severe heartworm infestation.
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Lethargy - A general lack of energy and enthusiasm can be an early indicator of a problem.
Heartworm Treatments
Here's a quick overview of common treatment options for heartworm:
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Deworming Tablets - Treatments like Itch Wormer tablets for dogs and Itch Wormer tablets for cats eliminate the worms from your pet's intestines.
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Steroids and Medications - To manage inflammation and alleviate symptoms, your vet may prescribe steroids and other medications.
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Nutritional Support - If your pet has experienced malnutrition during possible weightloss, your vet may recommend a special diet or nutritional supplements to aid in recovery.
Worming Prevention
Preventing heartworm infestations is far simpler and less risky than treating them. Here's how to protect your pet:
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Regular Deworming
Getting a consistent worming treatment plan in place, like using Itch Wormer for dogs and Itch Wormer for cats, is the most effective way to keep your pets safe from heartworms!
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Avoid Exposure
Minimise your pet's exposure to mosquitoes, as they are the primary carriers of heartworm larvae.
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Follow the Schedule
Administer heartworm preventatives consistently and as directed. Missing even one dose can leave your pet vulnerable.
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Testing
Have your pet tested for heartworms regularly, even if they are on preventative medications. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
Heartworms are a formidable foe for your pet's health, but with the right preventative measures and regular vet care, you can significantly reduce the risk of infestation. Recognising the symptoms to watch for and understanding treatment options is essential. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to heartworms. By staying informed and proactive, you can provide the best care for your four-legged friend and ensure their heart and lungs remain worm-free and healthy.
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Worming
Treatment
How Often Should You Worm Your Pet?
Intestinal worms are no picnic. They can cause a whole host of health problems in your pets including diarrhoea, tummy pain, weight loss and anaemia. In extreme cases, they can even be fatal. As if that’s not bad enough, they can also do some serious damage to people too! But how often should you worm your pet? The answer depends on various factors, including the type of pet, their age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure. This post explores how often you should worm both cats and dogs. We'll also discuss whether puppies and kittens require more frequent worming and provide some ideal worming schedules to keep your pets healthy and thriving.
Worming
Treatment
How to give your cat worming tablets - Without the drama!
As any cat owner will tell you, cats really don’t like to do what we ask of them at the best of times. This can be especially true where worming tablets are concerned! As much as your cat might hate taking their wormer (and as much as you might hate being the one who has to administer it) the reality is that they have to take it.
Without regular worming, cats are at risk from tapeworms, roundworms and other nasty worm parasites that can make both them and your family really poorly.
Worming
Identification
What are worms in pets?
Worms are sadly a common concern for pet owners. These parasites can infest our furry companions, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Here we'll unravel the world of worms in pets, addressing what they are, what causes them, whether all dogs and cats need worming, how to treat worm infestations, and most importantly, how to prevent them. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to keep your pets super healthy and worm-free.