Canine filariasis is a disease caused by a parasite called Filaria whose larvae develop into adults in the heart, which is why it is also known as heartworm disease.
It is a disease that can be very serious, so we are going to tell you how to know if my dog has filariasis and what you can do so that, if he has it, he recovers as soon as possible.
How is filariasis spread?
This parasitic disease It is spread through the bite of a mosquito, which must have previously bitten a dog that already has filariasis. Once the larvae enter the animal's body, they circulate through the bloodstream until they reach the heart, where they will develop while endangering the health of the dog, since they feed on the nutrients that the animal absorbs.
What are the symptoms?
One of the problems with this disease is that, when we notice symptoms in the dog, a long time has passed. Therefore, we have to always be attentive to any small changes that occur in their routine or in their behavior. Symptoms like:
- Lack of appetite
- Mild cough that doesn't seem to go away
- Tiredness
- General discomfort
- Acceleration of respiration
Can it be treated?
Fortunately, yes. But the treatment will vary depending on the case. If it has been detected early and it only has larvae, the vet will recommend giving it some antiparasitic pills and some injections so that it recovers; otherwise, he will choose to operate it in order to remove all the filariae.
How to prevent canine filariasis?
Preventing this disease is very simple: it will only be necessary to take the dog to the vet for a blood test, and, if he is healthy, we will have to give him an antiparasitic pill a month to avoid parasitic infections.
Canine heartworm disease is a treatable disease. Don't let it pass.