It is recommended to have your pet professionally groomed regularly. For longer coat dogs like Shih Tzus or Yorkies, go every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on hair growth. For short breed dogs like Dobermans, go every six weeks for brushing out and bathing. In between professional grooms, perform regular care at home, such as combing hair, trimming nails, and giving baths as needed.

Yes, you can bathe a dog too often. It depends on factors like the dog's age, breed, coat type, and how dirty they are. A monthly bath is recommended for regular hygiene. However, some dogs may require cleanup baths in between, especially puppies and notorious breeds like labs. For puppies, dilute their puppy shampoo with water for cleanup baths to avoid stripping oils from their skin. Use a dog shampoo and avoid human shampoos or dish soap, as they can dry out the skin.

No, heartworms are not visible. Both the microfilaria (transmitted from the mosquito) and the adult heartworm live inside the heart, lungs, and major vessels. They are not visible when looking at your dog.

No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.

Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.

It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.

In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.

Dogs that spend more time outdoors and are more active, such as those going on hikes and walks, are at a higher risk of developing heartworm disease due to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes. However, even indoor dogs can be at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes and bite dogs there.

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it picks up microfilariae (baby heartworms). These microfilariae develop into infective larvae within 10-14 days. The mosquito then bites another animal, depositing the larvae into the new host. In regions with a high mosquito population, such as Mississippi, heartworm transmission occurs year-round.

Heartworms in dogs are caused by foot-long worms that primarily live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These worms can cause heart failure, lung disease, or other serious health issues in dogs.