What is heartworm disease and how can it affect my dog?
Heartworm disease is caused by a worm that can grow up to a foot long. It is spread by mosquitoes and can affect the heart, lungs, liver, and the lining of the arteries in your dog. If left untreated, it can cause heart failure, lung failure, or liver failure.
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How would my dog catch heartworms?
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. A mosquito bites an infected dog and gets a larva from that dog, which then develops into an infective larva over 10 to 14 days. The mosquito then bites your dog and deposits the infective larva. It takes about six months for the larva to develop into adult heartworms, which start living in the heart and can spread to the lungs thereafter.
Can heartworms be prevented?
Yes, heartworm disease can be prevented. It is recommended to use year-round prevention for your dog. There are several different options for preventative measures, so it's essential to determine what works best for you and your dog.
What are the signs in my dog that would indicate they have heartworms?
Early in the course of the disease, you may not notice any symptoms at all, which is why it can be very dangerous. After one to two years, you might notice shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, lethargy, or listlessness. These would be the early symptoms of heartworm disease.
What are some middle to late stage symptoms of heartworms?
At this stage, your dog may be experiencing heart failure due to heartworm disease. Symptoms include very labored breathing or open mouth breathing, neck stretching, struggling to breathe or gasping for breath, heaving ribs, and the abdomen contributing to breathing when it normally shouldn't. You might also notice a distended belly, which could be due to an enlarged liver or fluid from heart failure.
What can be done to stabilize my dog's heartworm disease?
The treatment depends on the stage of the disease. If your dog is in the mild asymptomatic stage, the treatment will be easier than if they are in the heart failure stage. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove the heartworms and get them out of heart failure. Blood work and chest x-rays are typically taken to assess the heart, lungs, and liver.
How soon should I bring in my dog to see a veterinarian for heartworm prevention?
It is important to bring your dog in for heartworm prevention as soon as possible. The veterinarian will perform a heartworm test and determine the best option for heartworm prevention. It is also recommended to recheck the heartworm status in six months, as it can take six months for heartworm disease to manifest after your dog has been bitten by an infected mosquito.
How will a veterinarian diagnose if my dog has heartworms?
Diagnosing heartworms is easy with an in-house test. A few drops of blood are taken, and the results are available within 10 to 15 minutes. If there is any discrepancy, a confirmatory test can be sent to an outside laboratory.
Why is early detection and diagnosis of heartworms so important?
Early detection of heartworms can help prevent your dog from going into heart failure. The earlier the disease is caught, the better the long-term prognosis. Any period of time that heartworms are in the heart, they cause inflammation to the heart, lungs, and linings of the arteries. Catching the disease early on and treating it can prevent longer inflammation to those organs and potentially prevent heart failure.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm FAQs
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
What causes heartworms in dogs?
Heartworms in dogs are caused by foot-long worms that primarily live in the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels. These worms can cause heart failure, lung disease, or other serious health issues in dogs.
How are heartworms transmitted?
Heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites. When a mosquito bites an infected dog, it picks up microfilariae (baby heartworms). These microfilariae develop into infective larvae within 10-14 days. The mosquito then bites another animal, depositing the larvae into the new host. In regions with a high mosquito population, such as Mississippi, heartworm transmission occurs year-round.
How does my dog's lifestyle affect their risk for heartworms?
Dogs that spend more time outdoors and are more active, such as those going on hikes and walks, are at a higher risk of developing heartworm disease due to increased exposure to infected mosquitoes. However, even indoor dogs can be at risk, as mosquitoes can enter homes and bite dogs there.
How significant is my dog's risk for heartworm?
In regions like Mississippi, the risk of heartworm infection is significant. The Mississippi Delta, from central Mississippi down to the Louisiana coast, has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire United States. Year-round prevention is strongly recommended for dogs living in these areas.
If you have any other specific questions regarding the causes of heartworms, please consult your local veterinarian. They can provide valuable information and guidance on how to prevent heartworm disease in your dog.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 2
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How soon after infection will a dog show signs of heartworms?
It varies, as dogs often remain asymptomatic during the early stages of heartworm disease. It can take 6-12 months or even 12-24 months for symptoms to develop. The longer the infection persists, the more symptoms will start to appear.
What are the possible signs that my dog has heartworms?
Common symptoms include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after moderate exercise. Dogs may also appear lethargic. These are the initial signs of heartworm disease.
Is heartworm disease painful?
No, as far as we know, heartworm disease is not a painful condition for dogs, thankfully.
Are heartworms visible?
No, heartworms are not visible. Both the microfilaria (transmitted from the mosquito) and the adult heartworm live inside the heart, lungs, and major vessels. They are not visible when looking at your dog.
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the Bridgetown Animal Clinic for more information about heartworm disease and its symptoms in dogs.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 3
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How is my dog tested for heartworm disease?
Your dog is tested for heartworm disease by taking a small blood sample. The test can be run in the clinic and will give results usually in about 10 minutes. It is a very accurate test, requiring just a small blood sample.
When should my dog be tested for heartworms?
Dogs under six months typically don't need testing. However, it is recommended to start prevention at eight weeks of age, which is when heartworm preventatives are labeled for use. It can take six months from when they're bitten by an infected mosquito for them to test positive. Testing for heartworm disease should start when your dog is six months of age and then semi-annually thereafter.
How often should my dog be tested?
It is recommended to test your dog twice a year for heartworms. Mississippi and Louisiana have the highest incidence of cases of heartworm disease in dogs in the United States. There are some reports of resistant strains of heartworm disease in Louisiana, so it is essential to ensure that the heartworm prevention products are effective.
If my dog tests positive, do I need additional tests?
There is a confirmatory test that can be sent to an outside lab. The in-clinic tests are very accurate and sensitive, usually around 98 to 99 percent accurate. However, if a pet has consistently been on heartworm prevention and tests positive, a confirmatory test will often be sent out to make sure before starting treatment that they are truly positive.
Which is the most accurate heartworm test?
The most accurate heartworm test is the external lab tests. In-clinic tests are also very accurate, with roughly 98 to 99 percent accuracy.
If my dog's on prevention, do they still need a yearly heartworm test?
Yes, dogs on prevention still need a yearly heartworm test. There are some resistant strains of heartworm, so it is crucial to ensure that your dog is truly negative and that the heartworm preventative is effective. It is recommended to check twice a year, as that's how long it can take for them to test positive after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 4
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
Can a dog pass on heartworms to another pet or a person?
No, a dog cannot pass on heartworms directly to another dog or a person. It requires a mosquito to bite the infected dog, get the infected larva, and then bite another dog, depositing the infected larva for it to be spread. Heartworm disease is not spread to humans.
How common are heartworms in dogs?
Heartworms are most common in the Mississippi Delta down to the Louisiana area, which has the highest number of heartworm cases in the entire country. If you live in this area, your dog should be on heartworm prevention year-round because it is incredibly common.
What is the cycle of heartworms and how will this information be beneficial to the treatment of my dog?
The cycle of heartworms starts when a mosquito carrying the infected larva bites your dog and deposits the infected larva into the tissue. The infected larva then spreads to the heart, where the adult heartworm develops. Heartworm preventatives help clear the baby heartworms or infected larva, but none of the preventatives treat the adult stage.
Can my indoor dog get heartworms?
Yes, even indoor dogs can get heartworms, as well as cats. Mosquitoes can still be found indoors, so there is still a risk for indoor dogs. It is much easier to prevent than to treat heartworm disease, so it is recommended to keep your dog on prevention year-round, regardless of whether they are indoor-only, inside-outside, or outside-only.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 5
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
How are heartworms prevented in dogs?
Heartworms are prevented by taking a prescribed preventative, which can be administered monthly, semi-annually, or even annually.
What are the different types of heartworm preventions?
There are topical, oral, and injectable heartworm preventatives. In Mississippi, it's recommended to use either the oral or the injectable one, as the topical ones may not provide good enough coverage for heartworm disease in dogs.
When should I start heartworm prevention?
Most heartworm preventatives are labeled for use starting at eight weeks of age. If you've rescued a dog or if your dog has been off heartworm prevention, it's recommended to start it as soon as possible.
How effective is prevention for heartworms?
Heartworm preventatives are very effective for preventing heartworm disease. However, there has been a new resistant strain of heartworm disease, particularly in Louisiana and Mississippi. The injectable heartworm preventatives are considered the most effective at this time.
Does my dog still need a heartworm test even if they're on prevention?
Yes, because of the resistant strain of heartworms, it's essential to ensure that the prevention is working. It's recommended to perform a heartworm test at least once a year, but some clinics recommend checking twice a year to catch heartworm disease early on.
Can any of these preventions be used to clear a heartworm infection?
No, none of the heartworm preventions can clear a heartworm infection. The American Heartworm Society does not recommend the slow kill method, which involves keeping a dog on heartworm preventative until the heartworms die naturally. This can take several years, and the preventatives will not treat the adult heartworms. Actual heartworm treatment is required to clear the infection.
Are there any holistic or over-the-counter dog heartworm preventatives?
Unfortunately, no FDA-regulated holistic or over-the-counter heartworm preventatives exist. Some products may claim to prevent heartworm disease, but they're not effective, and your pet will likely still contract heartworm disease.
Is there anything I can do in my dog's environment to reduce the risk of heartworms?
The best thing you can do is to keep your dog on heartworm prevention. While spending less time outside could help, it's important for your dog to have a good quality of life. In addition to heartworm prevention, you can consider mosquito control in your environment to reduce the risk of heartworms.
What should I do if I miss a dose of my dog's heartworm prevention?
If you miss a dose, you should give your dog the next dose as soon as possible. It's also important to test for heartworm disease six months after the missed dose to check if your dog was exposed to a mosquito carrying heartworms.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 6
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
Are heartworms common in dogs?
Yes, heartworms are extremely common in dogs, especially in the United States. Mississippi and Louisiana have the highest number of cases in the entire country, so keeping your dog on heartworm prevention is very important in these regions.
What are the complications of heartworm disease in dogs?
Heartworms live in the heart, lungs, and arteries of infected dogs. They can cause heart failure, lung failure, and liver failure. Additionally, the inflammation caused by the heartworms living in these areas can lead to chronic health issues.
Are there risks associated with the treatment for each stage of heartworms?
There is a slight risk associated with treating heartworms, especially in dogs that are heartworm positive and at a more advanced stage of the disease, closer to heart failure. In these cases, precautions are taken during treatment. For dogs that have just been treated or are on heartworm prevention, most preventatives do not have many side effects.
Are there side effects to the medication used to prevent heartworms?
Most heartworm preventatives have minimal side effects. For injectable preventatives, dogs might experience tenderness at the injection site for about 24 hours or occasional lethargy. These are normal reactions to injectable medications. Oral preventatives may cause upset stomach issues. If your pet vomits within an hour of receiving the oral medication, contact your veterinarian, as a redose or alternative medication may be necessary.
What are the risks if heartworms are left untreated?
If heartworms are left untreated, they can cause heart failure, liver failure, and lung failure, as well as inflammation in the heart, lungs, and arteries, which can lead to other health issues.
If you have any other specific questions, feel free to reach out to your veterinarian for more information.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Dog Heartworm - FAQs 7
Dr. Madelyn Lloyd
Ridgetowne Animal Clinic
My dog tested positive for heartworms, so what are the next steps?
If your dog tested positive for heartworms, the next step is to determine the stage of the disease. This usually involves conducting baseline blood work and x-rays to help guide the treatment plan for your pet.
Can heartworms be treated in my dog?
Yes, heartworms can be treated in dogs. The fast kill treatment is recommended by the American Heartworm Society as the best course of action to treat heartworm disease.
What are the different stages of heartworm disease?
There are four stages of heartworm disease. Stage one is the asymptomatic stage, where the dog has been infected but is not showing any symptoms. Stage two might involve the dog being listless, having a slight exercise intolerance, or being more lethargic than usual. Stage three is characterized by coughing, possible flecks of blood in the cough, and more pronounced exercise intolerance and lethargy. Stage four involves heart failure, a swollen belly, persistent coughing, and extreme lethargy.
What can I expect from my dog's veterinary visit?
During the heartworm treatment process, your dog will be placed on a safe preventative medication and an antibiotic (usually doxycycline) to weaken the heartworms. After two months, your dog will receive an injection of melarsamine to kill the adult heartworms and will need to stay at the clinic for monitoring and exercise restriction. The dog will then go home for three weeks of exercise restriction before returning for two more injections 24 hours apart. The dog will stay at the clinic again for monitoring and exercise restriction before finally going home for another three weeks of confinement. The treatment process typically takes about four months.
How many heartworm treatments do you think my dog will need?
The recommended treatment plan involves a total of three melarsamine injections: one initial injection followed by two injections 24 hours apart a month later. This plan has been proven to be most effective by the American Heartworm Society.
Can my dog die from heartworm disease?
Yes, if left untreated, your dog will eventually succumb to heartworm disease. It is crucial to place your dog on a preventative medication and seek treatment if they test positive for heartworms.
Will heartworm treatment cure my dog?
Yes, heartworm treatment can cure your dog. It is safest to treat your dog during the earlier stages of heartworm disease to prevent any adverse reactions. However, dogs at any stage of the disease can be effectively treated and cured.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (601) 856-3589, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram