Heartworm is a serious health condition that can lead to chronic lung disease, heart dysfunction, organ failures, and even mortality in fur babies like cats and dogs.
The parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis spread through mosquitoes is responsible for this disease transmission. The telltale signs of this disease are moderate but persistent cough, fatigue even after mild activity, reluctance to exercise or engage in physical activity, reduced appetite, and weight loss.
As the disease progresses to an advanced stage, you might notice a swollen belly due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This is an unfortunate condition to be in, but thanks to the canine medics because most infected canine fur babies can be treated successfully. If your pet shows potential symptoms, then hurry to the vet immediately.
Puppy insurance can help with the unplanned vet costs you might have to deal with should you have a policy already. If you haven’t bought one yet, it is probably time for you to contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance available in town for the sake of your pet’s health and make some savings on potentially hefty vet bills that accompany serious health troubles.
How do dogs get this disease?
If you are a puppy parent ignorant about this disease, read on to know how it all unfolds. A canine fur baby can catch this infection only when an infected mosquito bites it. If you ask us how a mosquito will get infected, here is the answer.
Initially, the mosquito bites a pup infected with mature heartworms that have started reproducing. The reproduction cycle begins when a dog is infected with at least one male and female heartworm. It can be pretty alarming to know that a puppy can be infected with more than 250 heartworms at a time.
The mosquito will pick up the heartworm babies when it sucks an infected puppy’s blood and passes them on, biting a healthy pup. It takes about six months for the disease to advance to a critical stage when it damages the heart and lungs. The puppy may not show any signs of a heartworm infection until the adult heartworm starts reproducing.
Once infected, the puppy’s health will gradually begin to drop. Although heartworm disease is a scary condition, it can be easily preventable. All you may need to do is give your pup preventive medications. One dose can offer at least a month’s worth of protection. Know that puppies beyond six months of age need to be administered these medications if they live in a country that still has heartworm problems.
Consult your vet to discuss the heartworm preventive program. Preventive medications can cost much less than treating the disease once your little pupper is infected. Consider taking precautionary measures and being prepared with the best pet insurance just in case a mishap occurs via health issue, accidents, allergies or more.
Puppy insurance can significantly lower your financial burden in getting your puppy cured during unexpected health scenarios like this and many others, so why not contemplate buying a policy?
