Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats and ferrets, but heartworms also live in other mammal species, including wolves, coyotes, foxes, sea lions and—in rare instances—humans. Because wild species such as foxes and coyotes live in proximity to many urban areas, they are considered important carriers of the disease.
What species are affected by heartworms?
Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and some wild animals such as wolves, coyotes, and fox. Wild animals are considered important carriers of the disease. The dog is the natural host for heartworms, which means the parasite can mature to adults and produce offspring to continue the life cycle.
What animal is most affected by heartworms?
Heartworm disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets.
Do cats get heartworms?
Like dogs, cats can be infected with heartworms. There are differences, however, in the nature of the disease and how it is diagnosed and managed. Because a cat is not an ideal host for heartworms, some infections resolve on their own, although these infections can leave cats with respiratory system damage.
Do wolves get heartworm?
Dogs and other species such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes are the primary hosts of heartworms. Since coyotes and foxes are often found in urban and suburban areas, they serve as a potential reservoir of infection for pet dogs.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What is the name of the worm that is responsible for heartworm disease?What animal is at most risk of heartworm disease?
