Nearly all dogs can be susceptible to heartworms if they are not on a monthly prevention program. Heartworms are typically foot-long worms capable of invading the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your Dachshund. The disease can be fatal as it can cause permanent damage to your dog’s main organs. Heartworm disease is transmitted in dogs from mosquitoes. Adult female heartworms produce baby worms that circulate in the bloodstream. The mosquito picks up these baby worms when it sucks the blood from the infected dog. It takes 10 to 14 days for the baby worms to enter the infective stage. Once the mosquito bites another dog, it deposits the larvae into the dog. It can take 6 months for the babies to mature. If you are concerned about heartworms in your Dachshund, talk to your veterinarian Wake Forest, NC to learn how you can protect your dog. Schedule an appointment at this website Falls Village Veterinary Hospital.