Canines are affected everyday with heartworm disease and if not treated properly can be deadly. This disease is spread by mosquitoes that bite infected dogs and then transmit blood to healthy ones. When this insect bites an infected dog, it then becomes a carrier that deposits the illness when biting another one. Undeveloped heartworms are sent to the bloodstream where they await another mosquito to carry forth this disease. Immature heartworms are sent back out into the bloodstream making a tasty meal for another mosquito. There are numerous ways to prevent this problem and keep your pet in good physical shape. Dogs love the outdoors and require lots of exercise.

Everyone knows it is impossible to keep a dog indoors all the time. Many dog parks are breeding grounds for heartworms due to owners being oblivious to their own pets being carriers. It is important to avoid contact between your pooch and stray or wild animals. Canines are notorious for ingesting their own feces or that of another dog. Intestinal parasites are commonly passed on in this manner. This is a common opportunity for getting intestinal parasites. These injections should be given on a specific day every month during mosquito breeding season.

The vaccine destroys heartworm larvae prior to full maturity. Popular brands of vaccines administered by veterinarians include HeartGard, Interceptor, Sentinel and Revolution. Online pet suppliers that offer the vaccines should be avoided to ensure your canine receives the correct type and dosage. Popular brands of vaccines used include Interceptor, HeartGard Plus, Sentinel and Revolution. Monthly heartworm prevention has other benefits such as killing intestinal parasites and flea eggs. The benefits of monthly heartworm prevention also include the ability to kill intestinal parasites and flea eggs.

Before beginning preventative treatments, have your dog tested to make sure they are healthy and free of heartworms. Results come back quickly and management can begin. This disease is only detectable after 6 months of exposure; therefore puppies will not be examined. Veterinarians may want your canine tested each year depending on where you reside.

People that live around the Atlantic and Pacific oceans should follow this advice due to the high volume of mosquitoes. Treatment is pricey and will not cure the condition. It is healthier to take preventative steps in avoiding this debilitating disease.