Signs, Treatment, and Prevention: Heartworm Disease

Signs of heartworm disease can take as long as four-to-seven months to appear after initial infection. However, an infected dog may start coughing within four months of infection. Other signs may include sluggishness, weight loss, and difficulty breathing. A dog that is typically active may become less active.

The degree of infection, the length of time a dog has been infected, and the individual animal’s response to the infection determine just how severe the signs of the disease can be.

If you suspect your dog has heartworm disease, your veterinarian can perform a simple diagnostic blood test. Dogs with heartworm disease can be treated to eliminate adult heartworms inside the dog's heart and lungs, but treatment is costly and potentially dangerous as it involves killing the adult worms inside the dog’s heart. Since the treatment is risky and requires multiple injections, dogs with heartworm disease must be treated at the veterinary clinic. Complete rest is needed for four to six weeks following treatment.

By far, the best way to battle heartworm disease is through prevention. HEARTGARD Plus from MERIAL is a tasty beef chewable, given once a month that prevents heartworm disease. Ask your veterinarian about heartworm disease prevention with HEARTGARD Plus

Below dog heart infested with heartworms