Causes of Dog Heartworm

by Anne Rose

Overview

Causes of Dog Heartworm

The deadly heartworm parasite in dogs is caused by direct contact with heartworm-infested mosquitoes.
Causes

Dogs contract heartworm from mosquitoes. Heartworm larvae live in the body of mosquitoes and are transferred to a dog when a mosquito bites. The heartworm larvae burrow into a dog's skin, migrate into blood vessels and eventually the heart. Biting mosquitoes then contract heartworm from dogs to complete the cycle.

Effects

Heartworm can kill a dog. Heartworm disease is often asymptomatic and goes undiagnosed until the infestation is fatal.
Warning

Heartworm was once thought to be exclusively a parasite affecting dogs. Cats are also affected by heartworm. Humans can also contract the heartworm parasite.
Considerations

Heartworm disease is more prevalent in the Western United States. In climates where mosquitoes are a nuisance year round, preventative medication should be administered to dogs all year.
Prevention/Solution

Heartworm can be prevented with a monthly dose of a prescription anti-parasite tablet specifically for heartworm disease. It is also prudent to avoid contact with mosquitoes by limiting outdoor time at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.