Heartworm larvae are transmitted by infected mosquitoes. When the infected mosquito bites, the larvae pass through the tissue into the bloodstream. 70 days later they reach the arteries of the lungs where they continue to develop and grow.
Once they arrive in the lungs, at 70 days post-infection, they can start to do damage.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition in dogs
It is caused by worms that spend their adult lives on the right side of the heart and the large blood vessels that connect the heart to the lungs
It is transmitted through infected mosquito bites
Dogs of all ages are susceptible to infection
Signs range from no sign at all to persistent cough, fatigue, fainting and weight loss
Heartworm disease is usually detected with a blood test
Treatment is an expense for the owner, and a painful, prolonged ordeal for the dog
Prevention of heartworm disease is recommended versus heartworm disease treatment
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: HEARTGARD Plus is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, contact your veterinarian or click here for full prescribing information.
After entering into the tissue, the heartworm life cycle begins with the presence of infected larvae. The larvae will mature into juvenile heartworms in 70 days and enter the blood stream. Once they arrive in the heart and lungs, they can cause damage as early as three months.
Adult worms can extend up to12 inches long—creating serious damage.
Yikes!
If your dog tests positive for heartworm disease, treatment can be risky, expensive, and often involves hospitalization. Prevention of heartworm disease is highly recommended.
HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables are proven effective to prevent heartworm disease and are made with real beef that dogs love.2 Ask your vet about them to learn more.
Test your knowledge about mosquitoes and heartworm disease with this informative quiz. True or false? You decide.
Staying indoors most of the year protects your dog against heartworm disease.
False. Mosquitoes can easily appear indoors. It only takes one mosquito bite to infect your dog with heartworm disease.
To learn more about HEARTGARD Plus For Dogs or other MERIAL® products and services, write or call us.