Mosquito

During the next 2 weeks, the larvae develop within the mosquito into the infective stage. When the mosquito feeds again, it transmits infective larvae to the healthy dog. The larvae penetrate the dog's skin and migrate through the tissues & develops over the next few months, eventually reaching the dog's heart.

Once in the dog's heart, the worms can grow up to 14 inches and cause significant damage to the heart, lungs and other vital organs. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in death.

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