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What Are The First Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs | Heartworms
For pet parents, knowing and being able to recognize the early signs of heartworm infection in their dogs is critical. Heartworms are parasitic worms living in the pulmonary arteries, lungs, and heart that can cause serious health problems for your pup if left untreated. While some symptoms do not appear until further progression of the disease has taken place, there are initial warning signs you should be on alert for to ensure a healthier life for your beloved dog. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what are the first signs of heartworms in dogs might look like so you can get ahead of any potential issues before they occur.
Contents
- 1 What Is Heartworms In Dogs?
- 2 Importance Of Early Detection Heartworms In Dogs
- 3 Causes And Transmission Of Heartworms In Dogs
- 4 What Are The First Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs?
- 5 Advanced Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs
- 6 Diagnosis Of Heartworms In Dogs
- 7 Treatment And Management Of Heartworms In Dogs
- 8 Heartworm Prevention In Dogs
- 9 Notes on treating heartworms in dogs
- 10 Tips for treating heartworms in dogs
- 11 Conclusion: What Are The First Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs
- 12 FAQ: Heartworms In Dogs
- 12.1 Is heartworm contagious from dog to dog?
- 12.2 How long can a dog live with heartworms?
- 12.3 Can dogs get heartworms from fleas?
- 12.4 Can heartworms in dogs be asymptomatic?
- 12.5 How long does it take for heartworm symptoms to appear in dogs?
- 12.6 Can heartworms in dogs cause weight loss?
- 12.7 Can heartworms in dogs cause vomiting and diarrhea?
- 12.8 Can heartworms in dogs be detected with a blood test?
- 12.9 How accurate are heartworm tests in dogs?
- 12.10 Can heartworm treatment be dangerous for dogs?
- 12.11 Can heartworms be prevented in dogs?
- 12.12 Can heartworms in dogs be transmitted to humans?
What Is Heartworms In Dogs?
Heartworm disease is a serious health issue affecting pets, such as dogs, cats, and ferrets. It can result in severe lung disease, heart failure, and other organ damage. It is caused by a parasitic worm named Dirofilaria immitis. Transmission occurs through mosquito bites. The worms are spread by mosquitoes that have previously bitten an infected animal. When a mosquito bites another animal, the larvae are deposited onto their skin. Over time, the larvae develop into adult heartworms and migrate to the heart and lungs of the host, causing damage.

Importance Of Early Detection Heartworms In Dogs
Early detection of heartworm disease is essential for successful treatment. Timely treatment can prevent the disease from becoming life-threatening. Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms that are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. These worms can cause severe damage to a dog’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels if left untreated.
Early detection can be achieved through regular heartworm testing. The American Heartworm Society recommends that all dogs should be tested for heartworms annually, even if they are on preventive medication. This is because no preventive medication is 100% effective and dogs may still become infected with heartworms.
Causes And Transmission Of Heartworms In Dogs
Heartworm disease is contracted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Within a dog, heartworms can live up to 7 years. Adult heartworms resemble strands of cooked spaghetti, with males measuring 4-6 inches and females reaching 10-12 inches in length. They live and thrive in the right side of the heart and in major blood vessels. The severity of heartworm disease depends on several factors, including the number of worms present, how long they have been there, and how a dog’s body responds to them.
What Are The First Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs?
Symptoms of heartworm disease can include a mild cough, reduced enthusiasm for exercise, tiring easily after exercise, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As the disease progresses, pets may experience heart failure as well as abdominal swelling due to fluid in the abdomen. In some cases, dogs may also develop a blue-tinged color to their tongue or gums due to lack of oxygen in the blood. If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal for dogs. It is important for pet owners to recognize the early signs of heartworms and seek treatment before it becomes a serious threat.
Advanced Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs
Mild Persistent Cough
Dogs with advanced heartworm disease may present with a persistent, dry cough. This cough may be one of the first signs noticed in an otherwise healthy-appearing dog. If the cough persists for more than a few days, it is important to take your dog to the vet for further evaluation. A persistent cough could also be indicative of other respiratory issues or allergies, but in advanced heartworm disease, it is caused by damage to the lungs and surrounding blood vessels.
Lethargy
Dogs with advanced heartworm disease may display lethargy and a lack of desire to exercise. A decrease in interest in going for walks or increased fatigue after activity could be warning signs. This is due to the heartworms clogging and damaging the blood vessels in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the tissues. As a result, dogs with advanced heartworm disease may tire easily and show signs of decreased energy.
Weight Loss
Dogs may have decreased appetites, leading to a decrease in weight. This can cause harm to their health if left unaddressed. It is recommended to monitor your dog’s eating habits and consult a veterinarian if necessary. Heartworms can cause damage to the dog’s digestive system, leading to decreased appetite and weight loss. If left untreated, this can result in malnutrition and further health issues for your furry friend.
Swollen Belly
Heartworm disease can cause heart failure. Swelling of the abdomen due to fluid buildup may be observed. This can make your dog’s belly appear rounder than usual. If you notice this symptom, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Heartworm disease can cause damage to the heart and surrounding blood vessels, leading to heart failure if left untreated.
Difficulty Breathing
Dogs can suffer from respiratory issues, ranging from coughing to rapid breathing in more advanced cases. This is due to the heartworms damaging the blood vessels in the lungs and causing inflammation. If your dog is experiencing difficulty breathing, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately as this could be a life-threatening symptom.

Diagnosis Of Heartworms In Dogs
Heartworm disease can be diagnosed via a blood test. Two types of testing are available: one to detect adult worms and the other for microfilariae. Both tests are important to accurately diagnose heartworm disease in dogs. The most common test to detect microfilariae is the Knott’s test, which involves concentrating a blood sample and examining it under a microscope. This can be done in-house by a veterinarian or sent to an outside laboratory for analysis. Other methods for detecting microfilariae include the direct smear method and the modified Knott’s test.
To detect adult heartworms, a heartworm antigen test is used. This test detects a protein produced by female heartworms in the bloodstream of infected dogs. It can be performed in-house or sent to a laboratory for analysis. In some cases, both tests may be performed to confirm the presence of heartworms.
Treatment And Management Of Heartworms In Dogs
Exercise restriction and strict rest must be maintained during treatment. Heartworm preventative medication will be administered to kill microfilaria, with close monitoring for any possible reactions. 4-week course of prednisone and doxycycline prescribed. The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the treatment and management of heartworms in dogs, as well as to discuss the importance of exercise restriction and preventative medication in successfully treating this condition.
Heartworm Prevention In Dogs
Heartworm disease prevention requires regular and proper use of preventive medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Preventive medications come in the form of chewables, topicals, and injections (once or twice a year). The type of preventive medication will depend on the specific needs and health of your dog. It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.
Preventive medications work by killing the immature heartworm larvae transmitted to your dog through mosquito bites. These larvae then develop into adult worms, which can cause significant harm to your dog’s heart and lungs if left untreated. By preventing the development of these larvae, you are protecting your dog from the potentially deadly effects of heartworm disease.

Notes on treating heartworms in dogs
For the treatment of heartworm disease in dogs, a three-dose regimen of melarsomine is recommended; this includes one injection of 2.5 mg/kg body weight followed by two additional injections 24 hours apart one month later. To help ensure the efficacy of the melarsomine, it is recommended to administer both doxycycline and a macrocyclic lactone prior to the three-dose regimen. The doxycycline should be given at a dosage of 10mg/kg body weight once daily for one month, while the macrocyclic lactone should be dosed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Additional treatments may also be recommended depending on the severity and stage of heartworm disease in your dog. These may include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections, and medications to manage any symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing.
Tips for treating heartworms in dogs
Administer heartworm preventative monthly at home. Begin melarsomine injections 30 days after conclusion of doxycycline treatment. Exercise should be restricted and monitored closely following the first injection of melarsomine. Second melarsomine injection should be administered 30 days after initial dose. Third injection should be given another 24 hours after the second melarsomine dose.
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal illness that can affect dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages. As pet owners, it is important to take preventative measures to protect our furry friends from this deadly disease. However, if your dog does unfortunately contract heartworms, it’s important to know the proper treatment methods in order to effectively rid them of these parasites.
One of the most important tips for treating heartworms in dogs is to administer heartworm preventative medication at home on a monthly basis. This helps to prevent your dog from becoming infected with heartworms in the first place, and is much easier and less costly than treating a full-blown infection. There are many different types of heartworm preventatives available, including chewable tablets, topical treatments, and injectables. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your dog.
Conclusion: What Are The First Signs Of Heartworms In Dogs
Heartworms in dogs can be a serious and life-threatening condition if left untreated. Knowing what the first signs may be can help you identify the issue early and take steps to keep your pup healthy. Be sure to talk to your vet about preventive measures you can take and what treatment options are available if your pup does become infected.
FAQ: Heartworms In Dogs
Is heartworm contagious from dog to dog?
Heartworm disease is not contagious between dogs; it can only be contracted through the bite of a mosquito. The average lifespan of a heartworm inside a dog’s body is 5-7 years.
How long can a dog live with heartworms?
Dog’s lifespan in this condition is likely limited to weeks or months. Vet will guide best course of action depending on infection severity. Dogs can live at least 6-7 months after developing heartworms.
Can dogs get heartworms from fleas?
Heartworm disease is caused by infected roundworms that live in the heart and lungs. Mosquitoes act as carriers of the disease, picking up larvae when they feed on an infected host and transferring them to a new host during their next meal.
Can heartworms in dogs be asymptomatic?
Many dogs may show no symptoms in early stages of the disease. As the disease progresses, slight coughing may appear. During an examination, a heart murmur might be detected as more moderate to severe signs develop.
How long does it take for heartworm symptoms to appear in dogs?
Symptoms of heartworm in dogs may include a persistently worsening cough, an inability to tolerate exercise, and fainting. These signs may appear 3-6 months after the infection as the worms travel to the pulmonary arteries.
Can heartworms in dogs cause weight loss?
Heartworm disease can cause a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As heartworm disease progresses, pets may experience heart failure and an enlarged abdomen due to fluid accumulation.
Can heartworms in dogs cause vomiting and diarrhea?
Dogs with heartworm disease may experience digestive upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. The cause of this might be an immune response to the infection or the presence of parasites in the digestive tract.
Can heartworms in dogs be detected with a blood test?
Heartworm disease can be detected through a blood test. Two main tests exist for diagnostic purposes; one to detect adult worms and one for microfilariae.
How accurate are heartworm tests in dogs?
Antigen tests can detect the presence of adult heartworms. Tests have a high degree of accuracy, nearly 100% specific.
Can heartworm treatment be dangerous for dogs?
Treatment of heartworm can have potential complications. Side effects may include soreness and swelling at the injection site, as well as abscesses at the same location.
Can heartworms be prevented in dogs?
Heartworm disease prevention requires regular use of prescribed medications. Medications are available as chews, topicals, and injections. Frequency of medication varies from once a month to twice a year.
Can heartworms in dogs be transmitted to humans?
Heartworms cannot be transmitted from pets to people. Transmission of heartworms only occurs through the bite of an infected mosquito. In rare cases, people can get heartworms following a bite from an infected mosquito.
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