Heartworm is a very serious disease which affects dogs. It is caused by a parasite spread through mosquitoes. although this disease is dangerous enough to cause death when left untreated, it is easily preventable with medication such as generic Heartgard.
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Heartworm is a very serious disease which affects dogs. It is caused by a parasite spread through mosquitoes. although this disease is dangerous enough to cause death when left untreated, it is easily preventable with medication such as generic Heartgard.
Mosquitoes are fairly common in many areas of the world and heartworm is prevalent where these insects thrive. the process of transmission starts with an infected mosquito biting the dog which transfers larvae into the bloodstream. After an incubation period, larvae turn into adult worms which begin to infect the heart and other organs.
Initial symptoms are coughing or unusual exhaustion during exercise because the parasites affect lungs as well as the heart. Dogs will experience chest pain. Other effects are abnormal operation of veins and liver failure. there are no outward signs affecting fur or skin so heartworm is sometimes difficult to detect until it becomes extremely serious. Late stage symptoms include weight loss, fainting and eventually heart failure.
The active ingredient in Heartgard is ivermectin. this is a widely used antiparasitic drug which has virtually no side effects. It works by destroying the larval stage when it enters the bloodstream. the larvae never develop into adult worms. It works effectively for about a month, so it should be administered monthly during seasons where mosquitoes are active. some veterinarians and disease prevention organizations recommend giving preventative medications every month of the year, not just when mosquitoes are prevalent.
Before starting a prevention program, the pet needs a simple blood test to ensure infection has not already taken place. Initial testing is needed because taking heartworm medication when larvae already exist in the bloodstream can make the dog ill. the American Heartworm Association recommends dogs be tested if they have never taken heartworm medication, when they have had a break in taking medication, are changing to a different type of medication, or annually when they are on a preventative just to be safe.
Heartworm medicine is usually administered as a pill. although some pills are flavored, generic versions typically have no flavor. this is not an issue because medication can be given along with a treat to hide the pill and mask the taste. It is important to stay on a regular schedule each month. a good idea is to pick a certain day of the month that is easy to remember. Any irregularity in the schedule can result in decreased effectiveness of the drug.
Generic forms of Heartgard are just as effective as brand medications in preventing heartworm. They contain the exact same medicine and dosages. Generic medicines have been through the same safety procedures as brand drugs. They will not have any unusual side effects. the main advantage is price. many generic versions are less expensive.
Since heartworm is fairly common and easily spread by mosquitoes, it is important to use preventative medication on a regular basis to reduce risk of infection. Generic Heartgard contains the same active ingredient and effectiveness as brand name drugs at a lower price. It can be a good choice especially for pet owners who are just starting a prevention routine and have not used a particular brand before. It is crucial to use this type of medicine to maintain healthy pets.
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