Heartworm in Dogs: What You Need to Know

Heartworm disease is not a pleasant name, and it’s not something you want to hear come out of your veterinarian’s mouth. Many pet parents have heard of heartworm disease at one point or another, but few know a lot about it. Let’s take a closer look into what this disease is, how to recognize the signs of it, and possible how to prevent your pooch from ever getting it. 

Heartworm Disease, What is it?

The scientific name for heartworms in dogs is called Dirofilaria immitis (or D. immitis). It’s not a contagious condition that can spread from dog to dog; instead, it’s contracted through mosquitos that carry it and infect your pooch when bitten.

After about two months from the initial bite, the immature worms that the mosquito was carrying have traveled to the right side of the dog’s heart and begin to grow. After six months, these critters will have matured and can live inside a pup’s body for up to seven years, while also producing offspring – creating a vicious cycle. The worms can create inflammation and damage to not only a canine’s heart but their arteries and lungs as well. 

Is Heartworm Disease Common in Dogs?

Heartworm disease used to be concentrated in the Atlantic and Gulf coast states. But as of 2014, the American Heartworm Society has announced that the disease is increasing all across the country. Meaning that no matter where you and your pooch live or travel to, they could be at risk for heartworm disease. Because of this, it’s essential that you take Fido to get tested annually

What are the Symptoms of Heartworm Disease?

During the early stages of infection, there are typically little to no signs that will alert you to your pup having heartworm disease. But as the worms grow and multiply, the symptoms will become more apparent and easier to recognize. Here are the four classes of infection and the symptoms associated with each:

1. Class One: little to no symptoms, possibly a mild cough
2. Class Two: mild intolerance to exercise and persistent coughing
3. Class Three: higher intolerance to exercise, abnormal breathing sounds, weak pulse, fainting, decreased appetite, weight loss, and a swollen belly
4. Class Four: a life-threatening cardiovascular collapse known as caval syndrome, which can be recognized by labored breathing, pale gums, urine that is the color of dark coffee – all of which can lead to organ failure and sadly even death 

How Is Heartworm Disease Treated?

The first step to treating heartworms in your pup is to get it diagnosed in the first place. Treatment can be complex and expensive, you vet will most likely want to perform several tests to be certain your pup has contracted the disease before starting any type of treatment. 

If it’s been confirmed that your canine has heartworm disease, you’ll want to try to limit their regular activity, any sort of exertion can increase the rate of damage being done to their heart and lungs. If necessary, you may have to use crate confinement regularly. 

With confirmation that your furry friend has heartworms, your vet will most likely set up preliminary therapies to reduce advanced symptoms. Additionally, the FDA-approved drug melarsomine hydrochloride (also known as Immiticide and Diroban) may be administered to Fido if the disease has not progressed past class three. Another FDA-approved drug that your pup’s vet might administer is Advantage Multi for Dogs that rids their bloodstream of microfilariae (the early stage in the life cycle of these parasites).

Furthermore, other heartworm preventative drugs may be administered by Fido’s vet, along with possible antibiotics and steroids. In extreme and severe cases, it’s important to know that your canine may require surgery as a last resort to physically remove the worms. 

Can You Prevent Heartworm Disease in Dogs?

Because heartworm disease can be difficult and expensive to treat in dogs, veterinarians are adamant that you have your canine tested at least once a year – so if your pup does contract the disease, you can start to treat it early on. The American Heartworm Society recommends the following when trying to prevent heartworms:

• Year-round administration of preventative heartworm medication 
• Strict following to the dosage and schedule recommended by your vet
• Apply FDA-approved mosquito repellents.
• Control your environment to reduce or eliminate the possibility of mosquito breeding grounds through pools of standing water
• Use mosquito traps
• Limiting your pup’s exposure to mosquitos by reducing outdoor activities during dawn and dusk (the prime feeding time for mosquitos) 

It also doesn’t hurt to talk to Fido’s vet about other ways you can keep your pup safe and limit their chances of contracting heartworm disease.