Heartworm disease is a disease in dogs that develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito carrying microscopic heartworm larvae of a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis. As the mosquito feeds on your dog the larvae are deposited within your dog. They enter through the skin, then travel through the bloodstream and eventually settle and grown in the right side of the heart and the arteries of the lungs. Once there the parasites will grow until they reach a length of 10 to 12 inches at maturity. Heartworm disease causes lung disease and heart failure and is often fatal. While easy to prevent, heartworms continue to be a major health problem for dogs throughout the United States.

Preventing heartworms is as simple as giving your pet a monthly medication containing ivermectin. There are many products on the market that contain ivermectin including chewables and topical treatments. Pet owners can also administer products made with selamectin to prevent heartworm disease, fleas, ticks, earmites and sarcoptic mange all through one monthly topical treatment. These treatments are applied directly to the skin at the base of your dogs neck or between her shoulder blades. These treatments are relatively inexpensive and range in price from $5 - $20 per month depending on the size of your dog. These methods are safe, easy to use and when given on time every month, extremely effective.

Heartworm preventative requires a prescription and none of the preventatives above should be administered without testing your dog beforehand. Veterinarians will give a blood test to your pooch to check for parasites before issuing a prescription. This is important because the medication in these preventatives can cause life-threatening reactions to dogs who already have heartworm disease. If you already take your dog to the Vet for her yearly physical and shots then chances are the Vet is performing a blood test to check for these parasites. That test is all you need for a year long prescription for heartworm preventative. Testing and preventing heartworm could not be easier and is much less expensive than treating your dog for heartworm disease.

If your dog is not currently taking monthly preventative then there are symptoms indicative to heartworms that you can look out for. Dogs may have a frequent and persistent cough, a decrease in energy level, reluctance to exercise, fatigue, decreased appetite and weight loss. Weight loss is often followed by a swollen abdomen caused by a fluid build up in the stomach. Dogs can be infected for years before these symptoms show up. The heartworms themselves do not cause symptoms they are a result of the damage they do to the heart and lungs over the course of the infection. As heartworm disease progresses blood flow through diseased lungs to the heart becomes restricted. This is what causes heart failure and death.

Cases of heartworm disease have been reported in every state in the US; however, they are more prevalent in the southeastern portion of the country. This is partly due to the climate in this region and the number of mosquitoes native to the area. Everyone should treat their dog for heartworms because infected dogs can move into the area with new owners or due to displacement from areas struck by natural disasters. While treatment options vary consistent year round protection is the best course of action. Of dogs exposed to the larvae, 100% become infected. Treatments for the disease can be effective in otherwise healthy dogs; however, they are quite costly and can easily extend into the several thousand dollar range. While heartworm prevention is extremely effective, treatment can be painful, dangerous and in some cases, fatal.

This article was submitted by the authors at pet super store a site featuring patio pet doors, innotek systems, and dog bowls.

Posted: April 8th, 2009 under Blog.
Comments: none

There are over 150 breeds of dog registered with the American Kennel Club and that only includes dogs in the United States. Among these breeds are a variety of little-known dogs that make great companions. Here is a list of ten great dogs you may or may not have heard of:

1. Portuguese Water Dog: These dogs were indispensable to fisherman during the 1940s, but their numbers dwindled until there were thought to be only 25 purebred dogs left in the 1970s. These dogs resemble the Standard Poodle and weigh in between 35 and 55 pounds. They are loyal, willing to work and great with children.

2. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: This dog was developed during the 19th century to toll, lure and retrieve water fowl. They are a smaller version of the Golden Retriever and make great pets because they are affectionate, patient and great with children. They also make great playmates due to their retriever nature and love of water.
3. Canaan Dog: Native to the Middle East these dogs were developed to heard and guard flocks of animals. These dogs are multi colored and resemble Akita dogs on a smaller scale. They range in size from 40 to 55 pounds and have a vigilant temperament. They are docile with their families; however, they can be a bit protective of their families concerning strangers.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog: The Bernese is a variety of Swiss Mountain Dog developed to serve as general purpose farm dogs in the mountainous region where they originated. They are gentle giants ranging from 75 to 115 pounds. They make great family dogs because of their easy-going demeanor.

5. Finnish Spitz: This breed is thought to be an old breed and was designed as a hunt and point dog. The Spitz has a red coat and fox-like appearance and typically weighs between 20 to 33 pounds. The national dog of Finland, the Spitz is lively, lovable and friendly towards children.

 6. Keeshond: These dogs are of the German Spitz family and are cousins of the popular Pomeranian dog. They are a bit larger at around 40 pounds and can be trained as assistance dogs. Their size limits their service work abilities; however, they make outstanding pets. The Keeshond is alert, intelligent and friendly with people and other dogs. They would make a fantastic addition to the family pack in a multi-dog household.

7. Newfoundland: Developed to perform water rescues for shipwrecked sailors, the Newfoundland is extremely loving, patient and sweet. They require regular grooming and can weigh between 100 to 150 pounds, but make wonderful pets if you can get past their size. Newfoundlands were the canine of choice for US Presidents Grant, Hayes and Buchanan.

8. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: The Griffon is a sturdy hunting dog preferred by walking hunters. They are medium sized dogs that bear resemblance to the slightly better known German Wirehaired Pointer. The Griffon is easily trained, outgoing and are trustworthy around children or other dogs.

9. Swedish Vallhund: Developed during the days of the Vikings the Vallhund was bred to heard cattle and catch vermin. They are short sturdy dogs weighing in at approximately 30 pounds. They are extremely energetic and well suited for agility trials. They almost fell into extinction during the 1940s and ownership in the US is still quite rare despite their clownish yet loyal nature.

10. Basenji: The Basenji originated in Africa as a hunting dog and did not appear in America until the 1940s. Commonly referred to as the barkless dog, the Basenji weighs about 24 pounds and has a smooth soft coat that requires minimal grooming and lacks the typical doggie smell. This dog makes an excellent apartment dog due these characteristics.

This article was sent in from a great pet supplies site carrying invisible fence, shock collars, and wireless dog fences

Posted: April 8th, 2009 under Blog.
Comments: none