Question

The canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is an important parasite known to exist in this area. Why is it so important that dog owners treat their animals for this parasite?

a) To prevent allergies in dogs.
b) To avoid transmission to humans.
c) To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
d) To control the population of wild animals.

Answer 1

It is crucial to treat dogs for Dirofilaria immitis to prevent severe health issues and heart failure, and to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases transmission. Option cis correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is an essential focus in veterinary medicine. It is crucial that dog owners treat their animals for this parasite primarily to prevent serious health issues in dogs. The heartworms reside in the heart and blood vessels, can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular damage, and cause symptoms ranging from coughing to heart failure in advanced cases.

Additionally, while the heartworms themselves are not directly transmitted to humans, the parasite is spread by mosquitoes, and effective heartworm control in dogs helps to reduce the transmission risk of other mosquito-borne diseases.