
Dogs are at a high risk of getting heartworms. Dogs can acquire heartworms from mosquito bites. A mosquito gets the parasites from an infected animal and transfers the larvae to another animal. The larvae move to the heart until they mature and eventually cause severe damage to the heart and lungs. An affected dog usually displays symptoms of coughing, vomiting, and breathlessness. Pets may also lose weight and become lethargic. Dogs can acquire mosquito bites from both indoor and outdoor places. As such, prevention is the most effective treatment for heartworm infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe a medication that can kill heartworms at the larvae stage. For late cases, a heavy infestation may occur, which is deadly. As such, it is essential to visit your veterinarian for annual testing for heartworms regularly. Your vet care Bucks County, PA may also give you a preventative treatment plan that will keep your dog safe from heartworms all year-round.