1. **Adult Heartworms**: Adult heartworms live in the pulmonary arteries of infected dogs, where they can grow to lengths of 10 to 14 inches. They can live for 5 to 7 years in dogs.
2. **Microfilariae**: Adult female heartworms release microfilariae (the larval stage) into the dog's bloodstream. This usually happens when the female heartworm gives birth to thousands of microfilariae.
3. **Mosquito Transmission**: When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it ingests these microfilariae along with the dog's blood. Inside the mosquito, the microfilariae develop into the infective larval stage over about 10 to 14 days, depending on environmental conditions.
4. **Infective Larvae**: When the mosquito bites another dog, the infective larvae are transmitted through the mosquito's saliva into the new host.
5. **Migration and Maturation**: Once inside the new dog, the larvae migrate through the tissues and eventually reach the heart and pulmonary arteries, where they mature into adult worms. This process can take about 6 months.
6. **Reproduction**: Once mature, the adult heartworms can reproduce, starting the cycle all over again.
**Prevention**: Preventing heartworm disease is crucial. Regular vet check-ups and administering heartworm preventive medications can help protect your dog from this serious condition. It's essential to test for heartworms annually, especially if you live in an area where heartworm is prevalent.
Understanding the life cycle of heartworms can help dog owners take necessary precautions to keep their pets safe and healthy.
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