Don’t worry, it’s almost impossible for humans to get heart-worms however, dogs and cats get heart-worms from the bite of an infected mosquito. For those pets that have not had the preventative heart-worm medication, heart-worm infections are common. The parasite that causes heart-worms are found in all of the 50 states and are especially bad in the south and Midwest.
The symptoms of heart worms don’t usually show up until the infection has spread. The most common symptom is coughing. This is because over time the parasite infects the heart and the lungs. The parasite will continue to harm your pet, attacking the blood vessels and other vital organs.
Typically, by the time the effects of the heart-worm infection show up, you dog is already in an incapacitated state. This is why it is essential to take preventative measures to protect your pet.
For more information on medication and preventative measures to protect your dog or cat call or stop by our office. As always, we are here to help!