Kirsten Hawkins

Heartworms (Latin name Dirofilaria immitis) are parasitic worms that are common in both dogs and cats. Like their name suggests, they live in the dog’s heart, normally free-floating in the right ventricle and nearby blood vessels. The worms are transmitted from dog to dog by mosquitoes which pass the worm larvae through their saliva. The presence of heartworms can be very dangerous to the dog’s health. Although the dog will not display signs of infection until it has progressed considerably, heartworms can be life threatening and are sometimes difficult to detect and diagnose.

Signs of Heartworm Infection

When a dog is first infected with heartworms, there are literally no signs and the presence of heartworms can not be detected even with a blood test. Once the worm larva reaches the heart and matures, however, signs that are detectible by X-ray start to develop almost immediately. These include damage to the blood vessels around the heart and lungs. It is rare that a dog will be infected by only one worm and as the mature worms in the heart grow in size and number, the conditions worsen, eventually causing a blockage of blood flow. It is at this point that the dog will start to display physical signs which can include pain, hypertension, difficulty breathing, lethargy or even fainting. In extremely progressed cases the dog can suffer from heart failure and death although by the time the heartworm disease has reached this stage the owner has probably realized that something is going on and sought veterinary care.

Treating Heartworm Infection

Once a dog has been diagnosed as having heartworms, treatment must be started. What this treatment is and how it is administered is dependant on the stage of heartworm infection. Generally, there are four stages of heartworm disease.

Stage One – Dogs at the lowest risk – heartworms are detected in X-rays but all other tests appear normal.

Stage Two – Dogs are moderately infected, may have some difficulty breathing and be demonstrating coughing

Stage Three – Dogs are severely affected & may display weight loss, have difficulty breathing, blood tests likely show kidney and/or liver damage

Stage Four – Dogs have Vena Cava Syndrome and are in shock, essentially dying – surgery may be undertaken to remove worms, but there is no guarantee that it will save the dog.

When it comes to heartworms in dogs, prevention truly is the best medicine. The best time to begin a preventative treatment is early in puppy-hood, before the dog is seven months old since dogs older than seven months are at a great risk for adverse reactions to the preventative treatments.

About The Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.

Kirsten Hawkins

The new craze on the puppy circuit is underground dog fences. Simply put, underground fences are electronic containment systems designed to teach pets their boundaries while in your yard. They use a small “shock” which is transmitted through an electronic collar. These hidden fences can actually contain your dog within the barrier without forking out the expenses of putting up a fence. While most dogs don’t like being kenneled up for long periods of time while you are working or the kids are at school, this gives them the option of roaming the front and back yard and letting them have a sense of freedom, but only where the invisible fence will allow them.

The advantage of having an underground dog fence is that you won’t have to resort to ropes, chains and cages, which some people consider inhumane and unhealthy for your dog.

While wire fences are expensive, can be dug under or jumped over and allow for little exercise, they can also distract from the beauty of landscapes and in most cases decrease the property value of your home. Underground fences are reasonably priced and invisible, meaning that nobody will even know it’s there except you and your dog!

Here’s how it works. When a dog approaches the fenced area, he’ll receive a warning tone. Then, if after two seconds he hasn’t retreated back, the tone will the be followed by a mild electrical jolt, transmitted through a device connected to his collar. The jolt will be harmless and painless to your pet and matched to his specific temperament. If he still chooses to not retreat back, the electrical jolt then sets itself to the highest level to prevent the dog from running through it.

Although the underground dog fence is safe for all dogs, it is recommended that you wait until your puppy is between the ages of 16 and 20 weeks before trying to train him with the system.

Easily installed, underground dog fences will give your dog freedoms that he may not otherwise have. While dogs tend to be nosey, trying to cross the street, going into the neighbor’s yard, digging in your flower garden or chasing those passing by, the underground system will quickly teach him where he is and isn’t allowed to go.

Check with your local pet supply stores for information on underground dog fences and pricing. Just as you need freedom and exercise, so does your dog. Remember, he is part of your family and it is your job, as his owner and caretaker, to be sure he is safe and healthy. With an underground dog fence you can give him that safety and independence that dogs love so much. You might even get a warm smile and thank you from the mailman!!

About the Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a dog lover and animal expert from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.doghealth411.com/ for more information on dog health, the care of dogs, and dog travel.

Source: www.isnare.com