Do Fly’s Cause Heartworms in Dogs?

The question of whether flies cause heartworms in dogs is a big one. The worms live in the dog’s heart and cause disease. In some cases, the worms can cause death. If your dog has heartworm, you must take care of it immediately. The disease has no symptoms in its early stages, but may progress to a more serious condition such as a persistent cough, fluid buildup in the abdomen, or sudden death. Cats are atypical hosts of heartworm. The worms do not mature fully in cats, so they are not the same as those that affect dogs. However, they can develop heartworm associated respiratory disease, which causes severe inflammation and mimics feline asthma. Intensity of heartworm disease in cats can be so high that it can cause sudden death in ten to twenty percent of cats.

Heartworm disease in dogs is often undetected, but symptoms of an infestation are common and fairly easy to spot. Common symptoms include decreased energy, weight loss, fatigue, dark urine, vomiting, and a swollen belly. The disease can also be inherited through breeding, so prevention is key.

If you suspect your dog may be infected, it is important to clean the wounds regularly. Use fly-repelling insect repellents. These can be purchased at a local feed store or at a veterinarian. In some cases, you may need to administer antibiotics to the area. Moreover, make sure your pet receives routine bathing and grooming to keep them clean. You should also avoid leaving feces and urine on your dog.

Continue reading:

Can Fly’s Make Cats Sick? Can Fly Larvae Lay Eggs in Your Ear? Can Drain Flies Jump? How Can Flies Harm You? Can Flies Eat Dogs Ears? Can Flies Die in the Dark? Can Flies Cause Food Poisoning? Why Are There So Many Flies Outside My House?