Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatments
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care in Huntington Beach, our veterinary team, led by Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, has made heartworm prevention for dogs an essential part of our approach to preventive care since our establishment. A heartworm infection can lead to numerous health problems, including early death. Therefore, heartworm prevention is crucial for your dog’s well-being. Our team is here to educate you and protect your furry friend from this terrible disease.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a blood-borne parasitic nematode (roundworm) known as Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Over 30 species of mosquitoes can act as heartworm transmitters. Mosquitoes ingest immature heartworm larvae, called microfilariae, by feeding on an infected animal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito’s gut and then enter parts of the mosquito’s mouth.
When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects larvae into the dog. The larvae mature over several months, eventually ending up in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries. Once there, they develop into adult heartworms and can begin to reproduce about six months after the initial infection. Approximately eight months after infection, heartworms in dogs start to produce a new crop of microfilariae that will live in the dog’s blood for about one month. By this time, most dogs show significant heartworm symptoms, and their lives are in danger.
What Is Heartworm Disease?
Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a blood-borne parasitic nematode (roundworm) known as Dirofilaria immitis, which is transmitted by mosquitoes.
Over 30 species of mosquitoes can act as heartworm transmitters. Mosquitoes ingest immature heartworm larvae, called microfilariae, by feeding on an infected animal. The microfilariae develop further for 10 to 30 days in the mosquito’s gut and then enter parts of the mosquito’s mouth.
When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it injects larvae into the dog. The larvae mature over several months, eventually ending up in the right side of the heart and the pulmonary arteries. Once there, they develop into adult heartworms and can begin to reproduce about six months after the initial infection. Approximately eight months after infection, heartworms in dogs start to produce a new crop of microfilariae that will live in the dog’s blood for about one month. By this time, most dogs show significant heartworm symptoms, and their lives are in danger.
Heartworm Symptoms – The Four Stages Of Heartworms In Dogs
Heartworm symptoms in dogs are divided into four stages. It’s important to understand that individual stages are not always clearly identifiable and some stages can overlap. Here’s an overview of the four major stages and their accompanying heartworm symptoms:
Stage 1:
The first stage of heartworm is typically symptom-free. Heartworms are present and settling into the heart, but the disease hasn’t progressed to the point where a new generation of microfilariae has been produced, and the dog’s body hasn’t yet produced detectable antigens.
Stage 2:
Moderate symptoms appear, including exercise intolerance and a persistent cough. Heartworms have been present long enough for antibody production and probable microfilariae production. During this phase, heartworm disease may be detected with blood tests.
Stage 3:
Symptoms become very noticeable and significantly impact your dog’s health. Dogs continue to cough, experience fatigue after exercise, may be reluctant to exercise at all, and can have trouble breathing. They may also cough up blood. The disease is quite evident on x-rays, and worms in the heart and large vessels can be seen via ultrasound.
Stage 4:
Dogs in this stage have very visible symptoms with long-term health implications. These dogs are very ill, with symptoms similar to Stage 3 but more severe. They will be reluctant to exercise, tired after minimal activity, and exhibit a persistent cough. Breathing difficulties are common. Tests may reveal abnormal sounds within the dog’s heart and lungs and an enlarged liver. Even with treatment, this stage carries a high risk of long-term debilitation, including damage to the heart and blood vessels, and possible death.
The severity of heartworm disease in dogs depends on:
- The number of worms present in a dog’s body
- The duration of the infection
- The dog’s immune response to the infestation
The severity of heartworm disease in dogs depends on:
- The number of worms present in a dog’s body
- The duration of the infection
- The dog’s immune response to the infestation
Other heartworm symptoms can include:
- Anemia
- Fainting spells
- Right-sided congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
It’s crucial to understand that these symptoms indicate advanced-stage heartworm disease. Early detection is key to more effective and less invasive treatment options.
Other heartworm symptoms can include:
- Anemia
- Fainting spells
- Right-sided congestive heart failure
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
It’s crucial to understand that these symptoms indicate advanced-stage heartworm disease. Early detection is key to more effective and less invasive treatment options.
Heartworm Prevention For Dogs
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we strongly recommend monthly heartworm prevention. This typically comes in the form of a flavored chewable that most dogs readily accept as a treat. It’s vital to administer the chewable once a month on the same day to ensure your dog is adequately protected. Side effects of the preventive medication are rare, but please contact us if you notice any changes in your dog’s health or behavior.
Heartworm Prevention For Dogs
At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we strongly recommend monthly heartworm prevention. This typically comes in the form of a flavored chewable that most dogs readily accept as a treat. It’s vital to administer the chewable once a month on the same day to ensure your dog is adequately protected. Side effects of the preventive medication are rare, but please contact us if you notice any changes in your dog’s health or behavior.
Heartworm Treatment
If your dog becomes infected, treatment is more complex and carries higher risks than prevention. The first step is obtaining an accurate diagnosis. At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we use a comprehensive approach to diagnose heartworm disease, which may include:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Antigen tests to detect adult female heartworms
- Radiographs (X-rays) to assess heart size and shape
- Ultrasounds to view internal heart structures and surrounding vessels
Treatment typically involves hospitalization to administer an adulticide medication that kills adult heartworms. Microfilariae can be eliminated with monthly prevention administered at home. For severe cases, longer hospitalization may be necessary, and in extreme situations, surgical intervention might be required to remove adult worms.
Consult Our Veterinarians About Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care are here to help you make the best decisions regarding your dog’s health, especially when it comes to heartworm prevention and treatment. We can guide you through the most effective and safe options for your furry friend.
Consult Our Veterinarians About Heartworm Prevention and Treatment
Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman at Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care are here to help you make the best decisions regarding your dog’s health, especially when it comes to heartworm prevention and treatment. We can guide you through the most effective and safe options for your furry friend.
Schedule An Appointment for Heartworm Prevention or Diagnosis
Heartworm is an easily preventable disease. If your dog is not currently on a veterinarian-recommended heartworm prevention medication, please schedule an appointment with us right away. There’s no reason for your dog to be exposed to heartworm disease when prevention is so simple and effective.
Contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care today at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. You can also check our website at Love.vet for more information. Let’s work together to keep your beloved pet healthy and heartworm-free!
Schedule An Appointment for Heartworm Prevention or Diagnosis
Heartworm is an easily preventable disease. If your dog is not currently on a veterinarian-recommended heartworm prevention medication, please schedule an appointment with us right away. There’s no reason for your dog to be exposed to heartworm disease when prevention is so simple and effective.
Contact Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care today at (657) 756-5683 or visit us at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. You can also check our website at Love.vet for more information. Let’s work together to keep your beloved pet healthy and heartworm-free!
