Treating Heartworm Symptoms In Dogs

Posted by Jennifer Richard

Heartworms are a prevalent parasite in the United States. This parasite is passed onto a dog by a mosquito bite which injects heartworm larvae into the bloodstream of the dog. Getting treatment before heartworm symptoms in dogs begin to appear is the best course of action in fighting the parasite that can make a dog very ill or kill it.

Many pet owners have their pets treated for heartworms each year during a regular checkup. Being treated before symptoms appear ensures that the pet will not develop heartworms or, if they have been bitten by a mosquito carrying larvae, the larvae will not survive long enough to do any permanent damage.

The types of medications that are available to figure heartworm infestation vary. Some of the medications can be given as an injection and are needed only once a year. Other treatments require regular application of creams or ointments. In some cases dogs are given pills to take that will kill that heartworm larvae and protect the animal from infestation.

Heartworms are more prevalent in any area where there is standing water and mosquitoes live. While heartworm parasites cannot be transmitted from dog to dog they will generally both become infected because they are in the same location and being bit by mosquitoes.

An infestation is fully manifested by the type heartworm symptoms in dogs become visible. Heartworms can live in the bloodstream of a dog, attacking organs throughout the body, for several years with no visible symptoms. By the time the symptoms do begin to appear the dog is ill and needs to see a vet immediately.

When heartworms infect the heart and lungs of the dogs many of the symptoms in dogs of heartworms will become visible. Heartworms clog the vessels in the heart and the blood supply to the brain is significantly reduced. They will often develop a cough that include gasping. In some cases dogs will also cough up blood in their attempts to breathe while coughing.

Another symptom is shortness of breath. While the heartworms invade the heart, they also invade the other organs of the body. By the time symptoms occur the heartworms are usually lodged in the lungs as well as this makes it difficult for the dog to breathe normally. When they breathe it will sound very thready and uneven.

As the organs and brain are deprived of necessary blood and oxygen a pet will begin to lose consciousness often. They will often seem very tired and will be unable to do many of the activities that they once enjoyed. In most cases they will need the assistance of their owner to make a jump or climb stairs.

Immediate assistance from a vet will include x-rays and diagnosis to determine the extent of the infestation. The vet will treat the dog for several weeks with medication and treatment. Follow-up treatment is usually required for several months and the dog must be kept quite as recovery takes place. The treatment once infestation has reached the point that symptoms are visible can be very expensive.

Learn more about Heartworm Symptoms In Dogs. Stop by Jennifer Richard’s site where you can find out all about Heartworm Prevention For Dogsand what it can do for you.