Heartworms Q&A

Confused about heartworm disease? Are you unsure of what they are or how your dog can get them? Curious to know how the disease can be prevented? If so, here are a few answers to those pressing questions that are on ever responsible dog owners mind.

What is Heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease develops when a dog is bitten by a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae of a parasite, Dirofilaria immitis. While the mosquito feeds, the larvae are deposited on the dog and quickly penetrate the skin and migrate into the dog’s bloodstream.The larvae make their home in the right side of the heart and lung. An adult heartworm can grow to be 10 to 12 inches long.

What are the symptoms?

In some dogs heartworm disease symptoms can take many years to develop, so sometimes an infected dog may not be obvious. Over time the heartworms begin to cause damage to the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, which can cause a persistent cough, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Eventually, blood flow through the lungs becomes more restricted and can cause heart failure. This is usually detectable by the appearance of a “swollen belly”; caused by fluid buildup in the abdomen.

When should my dog be tested?

Your dog should be tested for heartworms annually. If your vet does not include a heartworm test in the annual physical, ask if one can be included and/or if one is recommended for your pet.

How do I prevent it?

There are several prevention products in place for heartworms such as: Heartgard, Advantage Multi (which also prevents multiple other parasites including fleas), Trifexis, and Sentinel. These are just to name a few. If you are unsure which is the best for your pet, consult your vet. The most affective way to insure prevention is to be on schedule and fit the correct weight limits! There is no way to detect an infected mosquito with the human eye, so prevention is an extremely important step to keep your dog healthy!