Everyone knows that mosquitos can be extremely bothersome pests. Fewer people know that mosquitos can also be dangerous. Mosquitos can transmit several diseases and parasites that can be very harmful to humans and dogs. Heartworm is a serious condition that can be fatal to dogs. Read on to learn more about this disease and how it can endanger your four-legged friends.
Heartworm Disease
Caused by a parasitic worm, heartworm is transferred when blood containing heartworm offspring is passed from one canine to another by a biting mosquito. Over time, the parasite can cause damage to your dog’s lungs, arteries, and heart.
Symptoms
Heartworm disease is dangerous because there are usually no symptoms at first. Symptoms only begin to appear as the disease worsens and more worms crowd your dog’s heart. Once the disease reaches this stage, your dog will develop a cough and begin to get easily winded by exercise. Your dog may exhibit lethargy, vomiting, and fainting. If left untreated, symptoms will progress until your dog dies.
Treatment
A blood test can be used to confirm a suspected diagnosis. Once heartworm is confirmed, your dog will be given two to three injections to kill the worms residing in his or her heart. As the worms begin to break up and die, their remnants can cause blockages in the pulmonary blood vessels. For this reason, it is imperative that your dog remains calm for the duration of his treatment.
Prevention
Your dog’s risk of heartworm can be managed with mosquito prevention techniques. Minimize bites and the risks associated with them by changing your pet’s water bowl frequently, avoiding walks in marshy or bug-ridden places, and fitting your home’s windows and doors with screens to prevent bugs from entering. A home mosquito control misting system can also help limit pest populations altogether.
For the best in mosquito control, contact Platinum Mosquito Protection. Serving business and homeowners in the Boca Raton, Weston, Pinecrest, and Coral Gables area neighborhoods, our experienced team can help you get closer to a mosquito-free property. Call 954-888-9311 to learn more.
