Did you know that heartworms have a favorite host? Unfortunately, that host is our dogs. Not only are dogs more susceptible to heartworms than cats, heartworms also multiply more abundantly and live longer inside of dogs.
If you have a dog, heartworm prevention is a must—these parasites are extremely dangerous. They can cause organ failure and even death, so don’t forget to refill your dog’s heartworm medication at their next vet visit.
The Dangers of Heartworms in Dogs
One of the reasons heartworms are so dangerous is that they’re typically transmitted by mosquitoes—the mosquitos pick up the worm larvae when they drink the blood of an infected animal. If that mosquito bites your dog, they pass the worm larvae into your dog’s bloodstream.
Once inside a host, it takes about six months for the larvae to become adults and start reproducing. In some cases, there can be hundreds of worms inside a dog’s system. They can live up to seven years, spawning new generations of worms and causing irreparable damage to your dog’s heart and internal organs.
They enter the bloodstream and make their home in your dog’s heart, arteries, lungs, and the surrounding organs. This disrupts normal body functions, and the organs may try to overcompensate, or they are unable to get vital nutrients because the worms are preventing normal blood circulation.
If a heartworm infection goes untreated, it can lead to permanent health problems and an early death.
How to Recognize the Signs of Heartworms
Heartworms affect each dog a little differently. The symptoms can range from unnoticeable to extreme. The symptoms are often more pronounced in very active dogs, those with a large worm load, and those who have medical issues already. But since they are always difficult to detect in the early stages of an infection, heartworm testing is vital to the health of your pup.
Symptoms of heartworms in dogs include:
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing
- Lethargy/inability to stand
- Distended belly
- Nose bleeds/blood in spit or from coughing
- Weight loss/decreased appetite
- Heart failure
Treatments and Testing for Heartworms in Dogs
Dogs should be tested for heartworm every six months to a year, depending on their level of vulnerability. Dogs who spend a significant amount of time in the wilderness, hiking or camping, or near bodies of water are at a higher risk.
Treating heartworm can be complicated. Often, the symptoms must be under control before treatment can begin. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment could be several doses of highly volatile medications, or even surgery to remove the worms.
Although these treatments can save your dog’s life, they can also be quite expensive. That’s why the best treatment is always prevention!
Heartworm Prevention Tips
- Get your dog tested as often as your veterinarian suggests, and at least once every six months.
- Start using a heartworm prevention medication once your dog is seven months old.
- Use a dog-safe mosquito repellent if you plan on spending significant time outdoors.
- If you notice any signs of heartworms, act quickly! Contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment within a two-week window. The earlier your pet is treated, the better their outcome.
Veterinary Care for Dogs in Gilbert, Arizona
Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer expert veterinary services you can depend on. Our team is here to help you keep your pet healthy, no matter the problem. Whether your dog needs heartworm testing, heartworm prevention medication, or any other treatments, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/28/25). Photo by James Barker on Unsplash.