What is the life cycle of heartworms?

Understanding the Heartworm Life Cycle

I'm here to help with dog-related questions, so let's focus on heartworms in dogs! Heartworms are a serious concern for our canine companions. The life cycle of heartworms begins when an infected mosquito bites a dog, transmitting the larvae into the dog's bloodstream. These larvae then migrate through the dog's body and eventually settle in the heart and lungs, where they mature into adult worms. The adult heartworms can live for several years, producing thousands of new larvae that can be transmitted by mosquitoes to other dogs. It's crucial to keep your dog on a regular heartworm prevention regimen to avoid this potentially fatal disease. Always consult your veterinarian for the best preventive measures for your furry friend.

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Topics covered in this question:

Dog Health Veterinary Care Parasites Prevention Heartworm