Heartworm Disease in Dogs – Can Fleas Cause Heartworm?
WouterHeartworm disease in your dog is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. They are spread by mosquito bites and develop in your dog’s heart and lungs. Once the worms have matured, they can attack the blood vessels in the dog’s heart. Heartworm disease can cause heart failure and even cause organ damage.
This parasitic worm is common throughout the country and can cause severe and life-threatening disease in dogs. Adult heartworms can grow up to 14 inches long and live in the heart and main arteries of their host. Left untreated, the worm can obstruct the flow of blood in the heart and cause inflammation in the arteries. In addition to heartworm, fleas are also known to transmit other diseases including tapeworm, tularemia, and anemia.
Heartworm disease in dogs is treatable, but it is important to get it treated at the earliest opportunity. Treatment for heartworm disease is expensive and requires strict crate rest for several months. Moreover, it is not a cheap procedure and may result in hospitalization. You must consult with your veterinarian before treating your dog for heartworm disease.
The symptoms of heartworm disease in dogs depend on the severity of the infection. Class 1 heartworm disease usually has no noticeable symptoms, while class 2 and class three heartworm disease symptoms are mild to moderate. If the heartworm disease is severe, a chest x-ray may show changes in the heart and lungs.
