What are heartworms and how do they affect dogs?
Heartworms are actual worms that live in the heart. When mature, they are 8 to 12 inches long and reside in the heart and lungs of the dog. Dogs get them from mosquito bites, and it takes about 6 months for the worms to mature from a mosquito bite to an adult worm. These worms block the heart and can ultimately kill the dog, making them very dangerous.
Dr. Joseph Charles "Chip" Cooney
How does a dog get heartworm?
A dog gets heartworm when it's bitten by a mosquito that has previously bitten an infected dog. The mosquito sucks blood from the infected dog, gets immature worms, and then bites another dog, transferring the infection. These worms are microscopic initially and slowly migrate through the body, eventually ending up in the heart. Heartworms spread between dogs not through direct contact but via mosquitoes.
What are the signs of heartworm in a dog?
Signs of heartworm in a dog include coughing, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, fluid buildup leading to a swollen belly. It can also cause kidney and liver failure. However, the most noticeable symptoms are coughing and a lack of energy.
How will a veterinarian diagnose heartworm in a dog?
Heartworm is diagnosed with a blood test. A small blood sample is taken from the dog, and the test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It is extremely accurate at determining if the dog has heartworm disease. In some cases, you can see the worms in the blood sample under a microscope.
When should my dog be tested for heartworm?
Your dog should be tested for heartworm before starting prevention, as preventatives can be unsafe if your dog already has the disease. It is recommended to test yearly thereafter, as most manufacturers of heartworm preventatives require yearly testing for their product guarantees.
How do I get a dog heartworm test done?
You need to visit a clinic where technicians will draw a blood sample and run the test. The results are available while you wait. If the pet hasn't been examined within a year, an exam is required. Otherwise, it's a straightforward blood test.
What happens if my dog tests positive for heartworm?
Treating a dog for heartworms is a long and expensive process. The worms live in the heart and lungs, and treatment involves a drawn-out process to effectively eliminate them. The best approach is prevention, as treatment can be complicated and costly.
Can heartworm be passed from dog to dog?
No, heartworm cannot be passed directly from dog to dog. A mosquito intermediate is required for transmission.
What can I do to prevent my dog from getting heartworm?
Heartworm preventatives are inexpensive and available in chewable tablets, topical products, and injections that last for six months to a year. It's essential to regularly administer these preventatives to protect your dog from heartworm disease.
Is there a dog heartworm vaccine available?
Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine available for heartworm prevention in dogs.
Are there any natural preventions for heartworm?
While there are many claims of natural heartworm preventions, none have scientific proof. In pet care, claims can be made without verification, so it's essential to rely on proven preventatives rather than unverified natural methods.
What should I do if I forgot to give my dog his monthly heartworm prevention?
If you forget for a few days or weeks, you can start the prevention again. However, if it's been more than six months, your dog needs to be retested for heartworm before restarting the prevention, as the worms could have matured to a point where prevention is no longer safe.
Do all dogs need heartworm prevention?
Yes, all dogs need heartworm prevention, regardless of their lifestyle or location.
Is it safe to give heartworm preventives to a pregnant or nursing dog?
Heartworm preventatives are very safe and can be given to pregnant or nursing dogs. However, when using combination products for flea and tick control, consult with a veterinarian.
How will you treat a heartworm positive dog?
Treatment involves a slow kill method over several months, requiring the dog to remain calm to avoid embolism, which can be fatal. It includes weakening and then killing the worms slowly. X-rays and blood screening are necessary before treatment to ensure the dog is healthy enough for the process.
How often does a dog need heartworm medicine?
The frequency depends on the type of preventive used. Most are monthly, but injections lasting six to twelve months are available for those who may forget the monthly dose. Monthly preventives also help with other parasites.
How successful is the treatment for heartworms?
The treatment for heartworms is highly successful, but the dog may still suffer long-term effects like pulmonary hypertension, which can shorten its lifespan. Preventing heartworm is much easier and better for the dog's health.
What happens if a dog with heartworm disease goes untreated?
The outcome depends on the number of heartworms and the size of the dog. A larger dog with few heartworms might live normally, but a small dog with even a low heartworm count can have a poor outcome. Untreated dogs with a high burden of heartworms likely face a shortened lifespan.
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