Heartworms, scientifically known as Dirofilaria immitis, are parasitic worms that can cause severe health issues in dogs, including lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. These worms are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Once a dog is infected, the heartworms can grow up to a foot long and can inhabit the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of the infected animal. This underscores the importance of proper heartworm prevention and treatment.
