The cycle of heartworm starts when the microfilaria, which is found in the parasite, the mosquito, is injected into one dog, and microfilaria then slowly reaches different stages. There are actually six larva stages before it reaches the adult stage. Depending on the number of heartworms, we'd use that to determine how we stage the pet based on the size of the heart and the vessel issues we see.

Heartworm disease is fairly common in dogs. We see it quite frequently in the southeast of the United States.

Not through direct transmission, but they do utilize the mosquito. The mosquito bites an infected dog, and it is then reproduced in the mosquito and passed onto another dog. It is extremely rare to find heartworm disease in humans.

Heartworms are not visible on the outside of the dog. We can see the baby parasite called the microfilaria under our microscope of the blood drop, and we can see the adults in the heart with the naked eye.

Heartworm disease can be painful if the heart is very enlarged or if the migration of the worm suddenly happens and causes some issues in the vessels.

Coughing, exercise intolerance, and even a heart murmur can be signs of heartworm disease.

It can take several months to start seeing actual signs, as it takes anywhere from six to eight months for the larva to reach the adult stage. It can even take up to two years to see any signs.

If dog heartworm is left untreated, the heart will become enlarged due to the number of parasites in the heart. It can cause heart murmurs as well as potential death.

Most of the medication is relatively safe. Just like any medication, there are potential side effects, including GI signs like vomiting and diarrhea, and on rare occasions, depending on the medication, it can increase the seizure threshold. Therefore, any dogs that are prone to seizures may have seizures on certain medications, but not all.

Yes, there are risks associated. However, they are minimal compared to the disease itself. Risks include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, which just means very tired, and also soreness at the injection site. On very rare occasions, they can have an allergic reaction to the injection.