Bulldog Heartworm Introduction
Heartworm Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs can result in severe
- Lung disease
- Heart failure,
- Organ damage
- And Death
Despite treatment success, the effects and pathology of bulldog heartworm disease are long-lasting and are likely to impact life expectancy.
Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) Ā is more common in dogs, but cats can also be infected.
Others are coyotes, ferrets, wolves, sea lions, seals, and other animals; occasionally it even infects humans.
How is heartworm disease transmitted to bulldogs?
Heartworm disease in bulldogs and French bulldogs is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a dog, the larvae enter the bloodstream and migrate to the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. Over time, these larvae mature into adult worms, which can mate and produce offspring, causing severe damage to the dog’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
This disease is serious and can be fatal if untreated, as adult heartworms can block blood flow and cause heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage. Preventative treatments are crucial, especially in areas where heartworms are common, as they are much easier and cheaper than treating an active infection.
Bulldog Heartworm Disease is a serious and deadlyĀ
Can Bulldog Heartworm Disease be transmitted to humans?
Bulldog heartworm disease is not spread directly from animal to animal or from animal to human. The transmission occurs exclusively through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it ingests heartworm larvae (microfilariae) present in the animalās blood. These larvae then develop inside the mosquito.
Once the mosquito bites another animal, such as your bulldog, it transfers the larvae, which can then mature into adult heartworms in the dogās lungs and blood vessels.
Prevention is key, as there is no risk of direct transmission between dogs or from dogs to humans without the involvement of a mosquito vector.
Heartworm Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs REGIONAL:
Regionally, the disease has been on the rise; heartworm cases are increasing in Los Angeles.
According to a report updated on April 26, 2016, by Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. In recent years Heartworm disease has been on the rise, possibly due to new drought-resistant mosquito strains.
The AmericanĀ HeartwormĀ Society recommends year-round prevention ofĀ heartworm disease and annualĀ heartwormĀ tests in all dogs, regardless of geographic location.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs Are:
By the time clinical signs of heartworm disease appear in bulldogs and French bulldogs, the disease is often in an advanced stage. Common symptoms include:
1. Cough: persistent and often worsens with physical activity.
2. Difficulty breathing: Known as dyspnea, it can be mistaken for asthma-like symptoms.
3. Weakness: Especially after exercise, your dog may tire easily.
4. Loss of energy: A notable decrease in overall activity and enthusiasm.
5. Heart failure: As the disease progresses, the heart becomes overburdened, leading to congestive heart failure and more severe symptoms.
PhysicalĀ activityĀ aggravatesĀ theseĀ symptoms; thus, itĀ isĀ criticalĀ toĀ getĀ veterinarianĀ careĀ asĀ soonĀ asĀ symptomsĀ appearĀ toĀ stopĀ theĀ diseaseĀ fromĀ gettingĀ worse.
How Can You Prevent Heartworm Disease in Bulldogs and French Bulldogs?
Remember, Bulldog heartworm disease is much cheaper and easier to PREVENT than TREAT.
Traditionally, prevention required oral administration once a month at home.
There is also a once-a-year ProHeartĀ heartworm preventive injection.
HEARTWORM PROHEART INJECTION TREATMENT
The ProHeart injection offers multiple benefits over the monthly oral one:
BULLDOG HEARTWORM TREATMENT’S COMPLIANCE:
A 12-month injection makes it 100% bulletproof against the likelihood of skipping or forgetting a treatment.
Ā BULLDOG HEARTWORM TREATMENT BULLY COMPLIANCE:
Every 12-month injection makes it 100% bulletproof against the likelihood of your pet spitting or vomiting the heartworm chew.
A.Ā Ā AFFORDABLE: ProHeart Injection is low cost.
B.Ā Ā INTESTINAL PARASITE: ProHeart also helps to protect your bulldog from harmful intestinal parasites.
C.Ā Ā Ā GUARANTEE HW: If your pet had a negative HW test prior to the treatment, Ā ProHeart manufacture guarantees the injectable treatment and will pay for the treatment in the unfortunate event your bulldog or French bulldog is found positive during the 6 or 12-month treatment duration.
F.Ā Ā GUARANTEE INTESTINAL PARASITE: ProHeart manufacturer also guarantees the injection effectiveness against the common intestinal parasite; thus, if your pet is diagnosed with hookworms, whipworms, or roundworms during the 6- or 12-month treatment duration, they will pay for deworming treatment.
Heartworm Disease in Bulldog and French Bulldogs: TIPS:
Important heartworm tips course of Dr. Kraemer
BULLDOG HEARTWORM MOSQUITO CONTROL
𩺠STANDING WATER: avoid outdoor open water fixtures, drinking bowls, fountains, and standing water in your gutters
𩺠INDOORS: keep your pet indoors at night
𩺠COYOTE CONTROL: infected coyotes are common reservoirs of the disease. Donāt leave food or water that attracts them and other critters
𩺠RESERVOIRS: untreated pets who are infected serve as reservoirs that allow mosquitoes to infect more pets and people.
Dr. Kraemer’s Heartwomen Summary To the Bulldog Owner:
𩺠VERY SERIOUS Bulldog heartworm is a severe medical condition that affects the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, leading to serious health issues and potentially death if left untreated.
𩺠VERY EXPENSIVE: While heartworm prevention is relatively inexpensive, treating a bulldog with heartworm disease is costly and involves extensive medical care, medications, and monitoring, making prevention much more cost-effective.
𩺠LONG CONFINEMENT: Treatment requires strict cage rest and long periods of confinement. Physical activity must be limited to prevent further strain on the heart, which is a significant burden on both the dog and the owner.
𩺠RISKY TREATMENT: The treatment for heartworm disease, though effective, carries risks, including potential complications from the death of the worms, which can lead to blockages in the dog’s arteries. Prevention is far safer and avoids these dangers.
š©ŗĀ LONGĀ LASTING:Ā TheĀ harmĀ thatĀ heartwormĀ illnessĀ causesĀ toĀ yourĀ bulldog’sĀ respiratoryĀ andĀ cardiovascularĀ systemsĀ mightĀ persistĀ evenĀ afterĀ treatmentĀ isĀ successful,Ā necessitatingĀ continuedĀ medicalĀ attention.
BULLDOG HEARTWORM PREVENTION
- šØVERY EASY
- šØVERY INEXPENSIVE
- šØVERY SAFE
- šØVERY REWARDING
Recommended By Owners Approved By Bulldogs