Heartworms are spread through infected mosquitoes. These parasites live in the lungs, heart and blood vessels of dogs. Our veterinarians in Cumming discuss heartworms, including the signs of heartworm in dogs and prevention methods.
Heartworm in Dogs
The blood-borne parasite Dirofilaria immitis is responsible for causing canine heartworm disease, which can be transmitted to dogs worldwide by over 30 different species of mosquitoes.
When an infected mosquito bites your pet, the worms can grow into adults, reproduce, and thrive in your pet's heart. Organ damage, heart failure, and severe lung disease can result from the condition.
What are the signs of heartworms in dogs?
In the early stages of heartworm, dogs may show minimal or no symptoms. However, as the condition worsens, they may experience weight loss, fatigue even after moderate activity, breathing difficulties, decreased appetite, and a mild but persistent cough.
When heartworm disease reaches its advanced stages, excess fluid in the abdomen may swell your dog's belly. Heart failure can also affect pets.
Diagnosing Heartworms in Dogs
Your vet can detect the proteins heartworms release into the bloodstream by conducting blood tests. You can detect the earliest heartworm proteins about five months after your pet becomes infected.
We strongly advise getting your dog tested for heartworm yearly. Make sure to give your pup annual heartworm preventive treatments. Our vets highly emphasize the prevention of heartworm disease in Cumming. It is crucial to take proactive measures to protect your dog rather than waiting to treat the disease if they become infected.
How are heartworms in dogs treated?
Treatment for heartworm disease can have serious complications for your pet's health and may be toxic for your pooch. However, there are available options. Consulting with your vet will assist you in determining the most suitable options for your pet.
The veterinarian administers an arsenic-containing drug called melarsomine dihydrochloride by injecting it into the pet's back muscles. This treatment effectively targets and eliminates heartworms. Pets can benefit from this FDA-approved drug, as it effectively eliminates adult heartworms. You can also apply FDA-approved topical solutions to your pet's skin to eliminate parasites in their bloodstream.
Treating heartworm disease in your pet can be quite costly. It requires multiple visits to the veterinarian, bloodwork, X-rays, hospitalization, and injections.
Medications for Heartworm Prevention
Heartworm prevention medications are available from your vet. Even if your dog is already on preventive heartworm medication, annual blood tests to check for heartworm are recommended.
Prevention is safer, easier, and more affordable than treating the disease. The prevention treatment may also protect your pet against other parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.