Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs. It is caused by parasitic worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites. These worms, known as Dirofilaria immitis, reside in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of infected dogs. Symptoms of heartworm disease can vary but may include coughing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. Prevention is key in managing heartworm disease, and there are various options available such as monthly preventatives prescribed by veterinarians. Treatment for heartworm disease can be complex and costly, involving multiple steps to kill the adult worms and manage the associated inflammation and damage. It is crucial to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for prevention and treatment to protect your dog from this potentially deadly disease.

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Topics covered in this question:

Prevention Dogs Treatment Heartworm Disease Mosquitoes