Do you have questions about Heartworm Disease?

Q: What is heartworm and how is it spread?

A: The life cycle of the heartworm begins when a mosquito feeds on the blood of an infected dog and ingests the microfilaria, or mosquito larvae. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, the larvae develop into the infective stage in the mosquito’s body. When the mosquito feeds on another dog, it can transmit the infection. The infective larvae go through several stages over a 4-month period before they arrive in the dog’s heart and lungs. The worms may grow up to 11 inches in length and cause severe damage to the dog’s heart and lungs, including heart failure, dilation of the pulmonary arteries, interstitial and alveolar lung disease, inflammation of the heart valves, and liver and kidney failure.

Q: How can I prevent my dog from getting heartworm?

A: By keeping him on heartworm preventative year round. At Oakhurst Veterinary Hospital we recommend Sentinel or Interceptor, which comes in a palatable oral tablet that is given to your pet once a month. In addition to protecting your pet from deadly heartworm disease, Sentinel or Interceptor will also protect your pet from roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.