Heartworm disease is a condition caused by the presence of heartworms, which are parasitic worms that live in the blood vessels of the lungs and heart. These worms can cause severe damage to the heart and lung tissues, leading to various health problems such as coughing, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and even death if left untreated. Heartworm disease primarily affects dogs, but it can also occur in other mammals including wolves, foxes, coyotes, and even humans. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, which carries the heartworm larvae to the host animal. Prevention and treatment of heartworm disease typically involve administering medications that target the adult worms or their larval stages.