Dog diseases

A warm, dry nose in a dog is a sure sign that the animal is experiencing discomfort. But how can you tell what exactly is wrong? Most illnesses in humans and animals are similar. Pancreatitis is one such condition that, unfortunately, also affects pets. What signs can you use to diagnose the disease and prevent complications? We'll cover this in this article.Read more

Did you know there are worms that can live in a dog's heart? If not, we recommend reading this article. Today we'll discuss heartworm disease, a dangerous helminthic disease that causes irreversible damage to the lungs and heart of animals. The worms are only 1.3 mm in diameter but can reach up to 40 cm in length. A dog's body can harbor up to 250 of them at once![1] Adult heartworms can fill blood vessels and cause blockages, which is fatal for the animal.

The life cycle of dirofilariasis

Mosquitoes transmit heartworm disease. When a mosquito bites, it infects the animal with worm larvae, which then lodge in the dog's cardiovascular system. During the bite, the infected larvae enter the dog's body and remain in the skin and muscles for 2-3 months, developing to a certain stage. The mature larvae then travel through the bloodstream to the heart, where they become adults.

Signs of dirofilariasis

There are two types of dirofilariasis: subcutaneous and cardiopulmonary.

The main symptom of the subcutaneous form is itching and subcutaneous nodules that cause no discomfort to the dog. This symptom can be confused with other diseases, and the animal may not receive prompt treatment.

The signs of the cardiopulmonary form are quite obvious:

fatigue after playing or running; lethargy; heavy breathing; shortness of breath; cough; fainting; increased abdominal size due to fluid accumulation.

These symptoms are also associated with cardiovascular dysfunction due to the presence of a large number of parasites. In this case, an immediate examination by a veterinarian is necessary.

Prevention and treatment

To prevent infection, the American Heartworm Society recommends moxidectin-based medications in its recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of heartworm disease. This medication is available in Russia under the trade name Advocate®. The medication is manufactured by Bayer (Germany), a leading veterinary company. Advocate® targets heartworm larvae[2], stopping their development into adult parasites.

Take care of your dog's heart!

Dog owners visit veterinary clinics with various problems related to their pets. One of the reasons is concern over cold paws. While this is usually normal, in some cases the concern is justified and a visit to the veterinarian is recommended.Read more

Stress-related mood disorders affect not only humans but also our four-legged friends. If you suspect your pet has become less active or isn't responding to their favorite treats, they may simply be depressed. To help your beloved family member return to normal, it's important to learn to recognize the symptoms of sadness in dogs.Read more

Olfaction is the most important sense for a dog. Canines perceive the world through their sense of smell. A dog's brain is wired to process odors; it's almost as if they see the world through their nose. Losing a dog's sense of smell is like losing a person's sight.Read more