Heartworm in dogs

Heartworm (HW) disease is caused by the filarial organism Dirofilaria immitis. Species of mosquitoes can serve as intermediate hosts; Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex.

Infected mosquitoes can transmit HW infections to people.

As the mosquito feeds, the infective larvae erupt through the tip of the labium, and with a small amount of hemolymph, onto the host’s skin. The larvae migrate into the bite wound, beginning the intra-mammalian phase of the life cycle

Signs your Dog has HW
cough, exercise intolerance, unthriftiness, cyanosis, dyspnea, hemoptysis, syncope, collapse, ascites (right-side CHF).

For Prevention and Treatment, See your Veterinarian.