Dog Heartworm Symptoms

Discovered in 1856, heartworm in dogs can be an often fatal disease. Heartworm or Dirofilaria immitis is a parasitic roundworm that is often found residing in the right chamber of a dog's heart and the two major blood vessels (the pulmonary artery and the vena cava). A heartworm infection prevents a dog's heart from functioning properly by causing blockage in the blood vessels. The disease spreads from host to host through mosquito bites. The mosquito carrying microfilaria (baby heartworm) transfers the infection to a dog's body when it bites a healthy dog. The heartworm larval migrates to the heart of the dog and after six months it matures to become an adult female heartworm. The female heartworm lays live young microfilaria that circulates through the blood and leads to blood thickening and blockage of blood flow. Here is a detailed list of the various dog heartworm symptoms that may be observed in an infected dog.

Symptoms of Heartworm in Dogs

Heartworm in dogs causes irritation in the heart and the blood vessels walls. The worms also lodge themselves in the liver's blood vessels causing liver failure. Most of the symptoms can be observed if we see a drastic change in the dog's behavior. Hence, it is very important for a pet owner to be aware of the following symptoms.

• Mild Cough: Usually ignored or overlooked by the pet owner, a mild cough is the first symptom of a critical dog illness and should be taken seriously.
• Fatigue: Any form of fatigue is a prominent symptom observed in dogs suffering from infection by heartworms. If your dog doesn't show an active interest in playing, feels like lying down after climbing the stairs, or gets tired easily, it may mean that he has been infected by the parasite.
• Breathing Difficulties: If your dog seems to be short of breath, and is gasping or gulping for air, don't hesitate to take him to the veterinarian as it may be a sign of a serious illness.
• Severe Coughing:A severe, deep-chested cough is another important symptom observed in dogs who may be suffering from a heartworm infection.
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Loss of appetite and weight loss are other important symptoms which are usually ignored by most pet owners. Sudden loss in weight or a long period of disinterest in food can be due to heartworms, and hence, should definitely not be ignored.
• Jaundice: Jaundice occurs when the liver has been infected, and if your dog is suffering from jaundice it means he is extremely ill and requires surgery to get rid of heartworms.

Treatment for Heartworm in Dogs

Chemical therapy can be used to treat heartworm in dogs. As the treatment involves use of chemicals, it should be administered by a veterinarian because the dead worms may get deposited in the lungs and can even kill the dog. Surgery can be another treatment option but is usually done only when the infection becomes severe or reaches the last stage. There are different types of medication for heartworms designed to prevent dogs from developing an infection or to destroy the microfilaria inside the dog's body before it grows into an adult heartworm. It is important that any medication be taken only under advice from a veterinarian. It is also important to remember that these medication won't keep the dog completely safe from heartworms.

If you observe any of the above mentioned dog heartworm symptoms, don't ignore them and immediately take your dog to the veterinarian as an early diagnosis will save your dog from chronic heart failure and eventual death. You can also practice some preventive measures to maintain your dog's health like keeping the dog's sleeping area clean, using repellent sprays, or giving prescribed preventive medication to your dog. A healthy dog is a happy dog.