What are the Signs that Tell your Dog has Heartworms?

Heartworms Disease is caused by a parasite known as Dirofilaria immitus. It is a serious and fatal disease. Heartworms are found in the heart and large blood vessels of the infected dogs. It is rare that these worms may be found in other areas of the circulatory system. The female worms are 15-36 cm long and 5 mm wide. The male worms are about half in size as compared to the female worms. Heartworms may live up to 5 years, and the female worms may produce millions of offspring. These are called microfilaria. They live mainly in the small blood vessels.

It takes several years to see the symptoms of the heartworms disease in the dogs. Dogs between the age of two and eight years are usually diagnosed with the heartworms disease. The heartworms clog the blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to other body organs, particularly to the lungs, liver, and kidneys causing them to malfunction.  

The Heartworms Disease can be prevented and treated. But first, you need to identify the early signs of the disease. Let’s discuss what are the symptoms and the treatment for Heartworms Disease.

#1. Signs Of Heartworms In A Dog 

Heartworm Disease is defined into three classes, depending on the severity. Class 1 is usually asymptomatic. This means that the dogs do not show any signs of the disease or may exhibit minimal signs occasionally.  If your dog loves licking, and suddenly stop doing this, it means something is wrong. Dogs who suffer from Class 2 of the Heartworms Disease, exhibit unusual coughing and resistance to exercise. Class 3 cases are the most severe. Dogs may show symptoms of resistance to exercise, fatigue, premature aging, and anemia and increased coughing, especially at night. In the most extreme cases, right-sided chronic heart failure can be seen. A physical examination can further help you to identify more symptoms, especially in class 3 cases. These symptoms include hypertension also known as high blood pressure, labored breathing and tachycardia which means rapid heart rate. In some cases, the dog’s belly takes a pear shaped, pot-bellied look because their liver enlarges and fluids accumulate in the abdomen.

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#2. Treatment For Heartworms In A Dog

The treatment for the Heartworms Diseases includes hospitalization, initially. Dogs that are diagnosed with the disease are administered with adulticide which is designed to kill the adult heartworms. The microfilariae can be eliminated with prophylaxis. This can be administered at home. When dogs are suffering from thromboembolic complications (a blood clot that breaks loose and travels through the blood stream to clot another vessel), dogs need to be in the hospital for a longer time. In some cases, surgical procedures are required to remove adult worms from the heart and pulmonary artery by way of the jugular vein. This procedure is recommended when the number of heartworms is high.

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#3. Prevention From Heartworm Disease

Heartworm prophylaxis should be given regularly to dogs that are at risk. This includes dogs who are living in endemic regions or as directed by the veterinarian. This is essential if you don’t want your dog to have the disease again. There are a number of preventives that are available and which are commonly used. If the prophylaxis is not administered properly, chances of reinfestation are increased. Also, maintain a hygienic lifestyle for your dogs. 

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Like what you read? Let us know in the comments section below what preventive measures you take for your dogs.  

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