Heartworm Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Early Diagnosis, and Effective Prevention Strategies
- VetSağlıkUzmanı
- 5 days ago
- 17 min read
What is Heartworm Disease in Dogs?
Heartworm disease in dogs is a serious infection caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis , which primarily affects the heart, lungs, and circulatory system. This parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes and, after entering a dog's body, develops and colonizes the heart and lungs. If left untreated, the disease can lead to progressive heart failure, serious respiratory problems, and death.
The most dangerous aspect of heartworm infection is that it's often asymptomatic in the early stages. A dog may appear normal until the parasites begin to grow and fill the veins. This is why the disease is often detected in advanced stages, making it much more difficult to treat.
When the parasites reach adult form, they cause blockages in the dog's heart and lungs, increased pressure , and decreased oxygen to the tissues . This process affects not only the heart but also many other organs, including the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Heartworm disease is widespread worldwide and is particularly prevalent in dogs living in warm climates. However, any area where mosquitoes are common presents a risk.
While the zoonotic aspect of the disease is more critical for dogs, Dirofilaria immitis can cause lung lesions, which are very rare in humans. Therefore, uncontrolled pet dog populations represent a potential source of transmission for both other animals and humans. Regular testing and integrated prevention strategies are essential tools in combating heartworm infection.
Types of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
While heartworm disease appears to be a single type, it actually presents in various forms, depending on the clinical stages and parasite density. These types are important for guiding both diagnostic and treatment strategies.
1. Subclinical (Asymptomatic) Infection
At this stage, the dog is infected but not yet showing symptoms. The parasites are in their developing stages and do not cause significant damage to the cardiovascular system until they mature into adult forms. This condition is usually detected during annual screening tests.
2. Mild Heartworm Disease
The parasites have reached adulthood, but no serious blockage or increased pressure has occurred in the vascular system. Dogs may experience a mild cough, fatigue, and occasional weakness. Pressure on the pulmonary vessels has begun to increase.
3. Moderate Heartworm Disease
At this stage, the parasite population has increased and occupies a significant portion of the heart vessels. In dogs:
persistent cough
Exercise intolerance
rapid breathing
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal area
Symptoms such as marked fatigue appear. Inflammation and vascular damage in the lung tissue become apparent.
4. Severe Heartworm Disease
In this advanced stage, the heart and lung vessels are almost completely filled with parasites. In dogs:
Fainting
severe heart failure
Pulmonary edema
Liver and kidney failure
Dramatic symptoms such as a bloody cough are observed. This stage is the period with the highest mortality rate, especially in older and immunocompromised dogs.
5. Caval Syndrome (The Most Dangerous Form)
Caval syndrome is the most severe and life-threatening form of heartworm disease. Because the parasites can invade the right atrium of the heart, it carries the risk of severe circulatory collapse, shock, and rapid death. It requires immediate surgery, and without treatment, the prognosis is almost entirely poor.
Causes of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
The primary cause of heartworm disease in dogs is the Dirofilaria immitis parasite, which enters the dog's body via mosquitoes. The disease's mosquito-borne nature makes transmission both easy and difficult to control. A dog doesn't need to come into direct contact with another dog to contract heartworm; a single bite from an infected mosquito is all it takes.
1. Mosquitoes (Obligatory Carrier)
Mosquitoes acquire the parasite's larval form when they feed on blood from both wild animals and infected dogs. These larvae mature inside the mosquito's body and are transmitted to a new dog through subsequent bites. Therefore, the risk of heartworm is much higher in areas with high mosquito density.
2. Climatic Conditions
Warm and humid weather is the perfect environment for mosquito populations to multiply.
Summer months
Stagnant puddles after rain
Streams and lakes increase the risk of contracting this disease. However, due to climate change, heartworm cases are now occurring even in areas not previously considered risky.
3. Inadequate Protective Measures
The risk of infection is quite high in dogs that don't use monthly preventive medications (spot-on, tablet, or injection) or use them irregularly. Because these medications kill the larvae, regular use largely breaks the chain of transmission.
4. Dogs That Go Outdoor Often
Parks
Gardens
Wetlands
Summer areas
Dogs that wander around in places like these are exposed to more mosquitoes. Therefore, dogs with active lifestyles are more at risk.
5. Age and Immune Status
Puppies are more vulnerable because their immune systems are not yet fully developed.
In older dogs, the body's resistance to parasites may decrease.
In dogs with suppressed immunity (chronic disease, poor nutrition, stress), the infection progresses more rapidly.
6. Regional Wild Animal Population
Foxes, coyotes, wolves, and some rodent species are natural reservoirs for heartworm. Dogs living in the same area as these animals are at increased risk of contracting the disease.
Ultimately, heartworm disease isn't caused solely by mosquitoes; environmental conditions, lifestyle, protective clothing, and regional factors determine the risk of transmission. Therefore, no dog is completely safe without regular precautions.
Breeds Prone to Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Heartworms can technically occur in all dog breeds . However, some breeds are considered more susceptible to this disease due to lifestyle, activity level, and environmental factors. The table below includes breeds that have been shown to be at risk. To comply with your rule, general terms like "all breeds" are omitted.
Table – Race | Description | Predisposition Level
Race | Explanation | Level of Predisposition |
Since it is a breed that loves water activities and spends long periods of time outdoors, the risk of contact with mosquitoes is high. | A lot | |
The probability of infection is high due to the time spent in parks, gardens and forest areas. | A lot | |
Because they are working dogs, they spend long periods of time outdoors and are exposed to a lot of mosquitoes. | Middle | |
Their hunting and tracking instincts lead them to venture into bush and wetlands, presenting a high risk of contact. | Middle | |
Siberian Husky | Because it is a breed with intense outdoor activities, the risk increases in areas with high mosquito populations. | Middle |
Because exercise tolerance is low, when the disease develops, symptoms become more severe and the risk of complications increases. | Little | |
Small Breeds ( Yorkshire , Chihuahua) | Although outdoor contact is low, the risk is mild in small breeds living in unprotected areas. | Little |
This table only indicates susceptibility in terms of environmental exposure and clinical sensitivity.
Each dog's individual lifestyle affects heartworm risk more than predisposition.
Symptoms of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
The biggest danger of heartworm disease in dogs is that it can progress for months or even years, with virtually no symptoms. Dogs often appear normal until the parasites reach adult form and begin invading the heart and lungs. Therefore, by the time symptoms appear, the disease is usually in its middle or advanced stages.
Early Symptoms (Vague and Mild)
During this period, most dog owners do not notice the symptoms:
Don't get tired easily
Decreased desire to play
Mild exercise intolerance
Occasional dry cough
Acting quieter and calmer than usual
These symptoms can often be overlooked because they are attributed to other disorders.
Moderate Heartworm Symptoms
As the parasites settle in the heart and lung vessels and begin to multiply, symptoms become more visible:
Persistent and severe cough
Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing
Feeling of collapse after exercise, weakness
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Tenderness in the chest area
Irregular heart rhythm
At this stage, inflammation and increased pressure in the lung vessels (pulmonary hypertension) begin to develop.
Advanced Stage Symptoms (Life-Risk)
When the number of parasites increases, the cardiovascular system suffers severe damage:
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal area (ascites)
Edema in the legs
Fainting and collapse attacks
Coughing up blood
Strong symptoms of heart failure
Pale skin, bluish color in the gums
This condition can be fatal if left untreated. Especially if Caval syndrome has developed, treatment is very difficult except for emergency surgery.
Chronic Symptoms
In long-term cases:
Lung damage
Constant fatigue
Permanent weight loss
Recurring respiratory problems throughout life
Symptoms such as may remain.
Because symptoms can be so variable, annual heartworm testing in dogs is critical.
Diagnosing Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Diagnosis of heartworm disease often cannot be made based on symptoms alone. The disease can progress without symptoms for extended periods, or symptoms can be confused with other illnesses. Therefore, specific laboratory tests are required for a definitive diagnosis.
1. Antigen Test (Most Common Test)
It is the most commonly used method for detecting heartworms in dogs. This test detects antigens produced by adult female heartworms.
It may be negative in the early stages.
The accuracy of the test increases as the number of adult parasites increases.
It gives results in clinics in the form of a rapid kit within 10 minutes.
If the dog is not in a risk-free area, it must be done annually.
2. Microfilariae Test
This test detects young parasites (microfilariae) in the bloodstream.
Blood smear examination
Knotts test (concentration test)
This method shows that adult parasites have reproduced and passed into the bloodstream.
3. Blood Tests and Organ Function Tests
Heartworms can affect organs other than the heart and lungs. Therefore:
Liver enzymes
Kidney values
Blood cell counts
Electrolyte balance
are checked. In severe cases, these values are seriously distorted.
4. X-ray
It shows whether there is expansion in the pulmonary vessels and heart. Inflammation due to heartworm may be observed in the lung tissue.
5. Echocardiography (Heart Ultrasound)
This method is used especially in severe cases. Sometimes adult parasites moving within the heart can be directly visualized.
6. PCR Test
It is a more sensitive method but is not used in routine screening. It is ideal for confirming infection or resolving mixed results.
7. Risk-Based Assessment
When making a diagnosis, the veterinarian evaluates the following together:
Mosquito density in the area where the dog lives
Dog's outdoor activities
Past use of preventive medication
Symptom severity
Early diagnosis plays a critical role in the success of heartworm treatment. That's why it's vital not to skip annual tests.
Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Treatment for heartworm disease is significantly more complex and risky than other parasitic diseases. This is because the parasites live in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs, and when they die, they can block these vessels and cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, treatment must be implemented gradually and with a careful protocol, under the supervision of a veterinarian.
1. Stabilization (Pre-Treatment Preparation)
In dogs with severe symptoms, the following supportive treatments are primarily applied:
IV fluid therapy
Balancing kidney and liver functions
Antioxidant and organ-protective drugs
Oxygen support (as needed)This phase may last 1–7 days in most cases.
2. Treatment for the Infected Mosquito Stage
Monthly preventive medications (such as milbemycin oxime, ivermectin derivatives) are started to kill the larvae. These medications destroy the young parasites but do not target the adults.
3. Adult Heartworm Killing Treatment (Melarsomine Protocol)
The primary treatment for heartworms is melarsomine dihydrochloride . This treatment:
intravenous
controlled
It consists of injections administered several weeks apart.
Standard protocol:
day: first dose
day: second dose
day: third dose
This method has a very high success rate, but because it is risky, the dog's activity should be restricted for several weeks.
4. Activity Restriction
During treatment, dogs should not run , jump , or exercise . This restriction usually lasts 6–8 weeks because the movement of dead parasites within the blood vessels can cause pulmonary embolism.
5. Corticosteroids and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Steroids can be used in a controlled manner to reduce the inflammatory response caused by the death of the parasites.
6. Doxycycline Treatment
Doxycycline kills the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, making the parasites weaker and more susceptible to treatment. It is usually started in the first weeks of the treatment protocol.
7. Emergency – Caval Syndrome Surgery
If the parasites have progressed into the heart (Caval syndrome), the only solution is to physically remove the parasites through emergency surgery. It is almost impossible to overcome Caval syndrome without this operation.
8. Regular Post-Treatment Checkup
After melarsomine treatment:
Antigen test after 6 months
Lung X-ray
Cardiovascular control is essential.
Even if treatment is highly successful, permanent damage to the heart and lungs can occur. Therefore, early diagnosis is far more valuable than treatment.
Complications and Prognosis of Heartworm Disease in Dogs
If left untreated, heartworm disease can be fatal, affecting not only the heart and lungs but also numerous organ systems. Complications depend on the parasite burden, the duration of the disease, and the dog's overall health.
1. Pulmonary Hypertension
Adult heartworms cause blockage in the pulmonary vessels, causing excessive intravascular pressure. This situation:
cough
shortness of breath
It causes symptoms such as getting tired easily.
2. Heart Failure
The right side of the heart cannot pump blood efficiently due to the parasite mass. Result:
fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
edema in the legs
symptoms such as collapse attacks occur.
3. Pulmonary Embolism
Parasites that die during treatment can cause blockage in the vein. This is one of the most dangerous complications:
sudden breathlessness
coughing up blood
collapse is observed.
Therefore, exercise restriction is the most critical part of treatment.
4. Kidney Failure
Disruption of the circulatory system leads to loss of filtration in the kidneys. Some dogs may require long-term kidney support after treatment.
5. Liver Damage
The decrease in oxygen to the organs causes damage to the liver cells.
6. Caval Syndrome (Most Fatal Form)
It occurs when heartworms progress to the right atrium and vena cava. Symptoms:
sudden collapse
shock
red urine (hemoglobinuria)
risk of death
Without immediate surgery, the chance of survival is very low.
Prognosis (Chance of Recovery)
Early diagnosis + preventive treatment → success rate is very high.
Intermediate stage → good response to treatment is possible.
Advanced stage → permanent damage may remain.
Caval syndrome → prognosis is poor, mortality rate is close to 100% if not treated.
After treatment, dogs can usually return to their normal lives, although in some cases, mild circulatory or lung problems may remain for life.
Home Care and Prevention Methods for Heartworm Disease in Dogs
Treatment for heartworm disease isn't limited to in-clinic medications; without proper home care and prevention strategies, the success rate of treatment can be significantly reduced. Home care is crucial , especially since the parasites' death during the treatment process increases the risk of pulmonary embolism.
1. Activity Restrictions at Home (Must Be)
The most critical rule in heartworm treatment is severe activity restriction . Dog:
Shouldn't run
Should not jump
Do not climb stairs
Should not be taken on long walks
Because the parasites that die during treatment move within the veins, exertion can cause sudden embolism. This restriction usually lasts 6–8 weeks .
2. Creating a Quiet and Safe Space
The dog should not be under stress. Therefore:
Away from the noise
Can remain motionless
With a soft bed area
A room with a stable temperature
should be prepared.
3. Regular Administration of Medications
In the heartworm treatment protocol:
Doxycycline
Steroids
Monthly heartworm preventatives
Diuretics if necessary
The schedule determined by the veterinarian must be followed exactly .
4. Respiratory and Behavioral Monitoring
Danger signs to watch out for at home:
Increased cough
rapid breathing
Anorexia
Sudden collapse
Abdominal bloating
Paleness, almost bruising, in the gums
If these symptoms develop, urgent clinical intervention is required.
5. Diet
During treatment in dogs:
Anorexia
Weight loss
Digestive sensitivity
It is common. Therefore, high-quality, easily digestible foods are preferred. If necessary, a liver and kidney-friendly diet can be applied.
6. Elimination of Mosquito Contact
To reduce mosquitoes in the home and garden:
Window mosquito nets
Elimination of stagnant puddles
Reducing the time spent outside at night
provides effective protection.
7. Post-Treatment 6-Month Follow-Up
After completing melarsomine treatment:
Antigen test after 6 months
X-ray if necessary
Blood test
is repeated.
The most important point in home care: A quiet, calm, controlled and low-stress environment.
Responsibilities of Dog Owners
Controlling heartworm disease is important not only for animal health but also for public health. Dog owners have a responsibility to prevent the spread of heartworm disease in the community.
1. Regular Protective Use
Heartworm disease is almost entirely preventable with monthly preventive medication . Therefore, owners should:
Do not skip the monthly doses recommended by the veterinarian.
Get tested for heartworms at least once a year
Applying additional protection in risky areas (mosquito density)
2. By protecting his own dog, he protects others too.
When an infected dog is bitten by a mosquito, the microfilariae are transferred to the mosquito, and that mosquito can infect many dogs. Using preventive medication helps break the chain of infection.
3. Early Sign Awareness
Because heartworm symptoms are often silent, owners should be aware of:
mild cough
Don't get tired easily
Difficulty breathing
Anorexia
Sudden weight loss
When these symptoms are observed, clinical control should be performed without delay.
4. Exercise Regulation
Exercise level should be kept under control during and after treatment. Owner:
Running
Games
Intense walks
should be restricted.
5. Regional Risk Information
Dog owners should be aware of the area where they live:
climate
mosquito density
risk seasons
Precautions should be increased in summer months and humid regions.
6. Social Responsibility
Conscious behavior of owners:
The spread of stray dogs
Epidemics in the region
Number of infected mosquitoes
Therefore, heartworm prevention is a common task for public health.
Differences Between Heartworm Disease in Dogs and Cats
Heartworm disease can occur in both dogs and cats, but the course of the disease, parasite behavior, clinical signs, and treatment approaches are very different in the two species. Understanding these differences is crucial for both accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
1. Contamination and Parasite Load
In dogs: Because dogs are the natural host , the parasite multiplies very easily in the body. A typical adult dog may have 30–250 adult heartworms.
In cats: Cats are not natural hosts; the parasite has a much harder time multiplying in cats. There are usually 1–3 adult parasites.
2. Severity of the Clinical Presentation
In dogs: The disease is severe, heart failure and serious damage to the lung vessels develop.
In cats: Although the number of parasites is low, the risk of sudden death is higher in cats than in dogs because they are more sensitive. In fact, the first symptom in some cats may be sudden death .
3. Symptoms
Dog: Cough, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, weight loss, ascites.
Cat: Asthma-like attacks, sudden respiratory distress, vomiting, seizures, collapse.
Not every symptom in cats is associated with heartworm, and the disease often goes unnoticed .
4. Diagnostic Approaches
In dogs: Diagnosis is easily made with antigen test, microfilaria test, x-ray and echocardiography.
In cats: Blood tests are often negative. Echocardiography is a more critical method for diagnosis.
5. Treatment
In dogs: Melarsomine kills adult parasites and provides successful results.
In cats: Melarsomine is very risky and is generally not used. Treatment is mostly supportive and symptomatic .
6. Protection
In both species, monthly preventive medications are the most effective method . However, prevention is much more critical in cats because treatment options are limited.
7. Prognosis
In dogs, the success rate is very high with early diagnosis.
The prognosis in cats is variable, and even small amounts of parasites can cause serious lung damage.
As a result, even if the same disease is present in two species, the clinical dynamics are completely different; therefore, preventive protocols for dogs and cats should be considered separately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heartworms in Dogs - FAQ
How is heartworm disease transmitted in dogs?
Heartworm disease is transmitted through the bite of a dog by a mosquito carrying Dirofilaria immitis larvae. The parasite first develops inside the mosquito, and then, when the mosquito bites a new dog, the larvae enter the bloodstream. Because this process is entirely mosquito-mediated, it is not transmitted between dogs through direct contact. Even a single contact with an infected mosquito can be enough for a dog to contract the disease. The risk of transmission increases significantly, especially during the summer months and in areas with high water flow.
What are the first symptoms of heartworm disease?
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are very subtle. Dogs may experience a mild cough, fatigue, decreased activity, and occasionally an increased breathing rate. These symptoms are often confused with aging or deconditioning, which is why dog owners often overlook the early stages of the disease. However, as the parasites begin to infest the veins, symptoms rapidly worsen.
When should dogs be tested for heartworms?
Heartworm testing should be performed at least once a year, preferably in the spring. Dogs that have not used preventive medication before or have used it irregularly can be tested every six months. For dogs living in at-risk areas, veterinarians may recommend two annual tests. Furthermore, testing should be performed before starting preventive treatment.
If my dog tests positive for heartworm, can he be treated right away?
Yes, but treatment isn't started right away. The veterinarian will first evaluate the dog's heart, lung, kidney, and liver functions. This is because the treatment involves quite powerful medications and requires the dog to be physiologically stable. In some dogs, stabilization is performed first, followed by a heartworm protocol.
What causes cough in heartworm disease?
Adult heartworms cause blockage in the lung vessels and inflammation of the vessel walls. This causes the dog to develop a chronic cough. The cough is usually dry and intermittent, becoming more frequent and severe over time. In advanced stages, a bloody cough may even occur.
Why is heartworm treatment so dangerous?
The risk of treatment is that adult heartworms can fragment within the blood vessels after they die, potentially blocking the pulmonary arteries. This can lead to sudden respiratory distress, embolism, and death. Therefore, exercise is strictly prohibited during treatment, and dogs are monitored closely.
What is melarsomine in heartworm treatment?
Melarsomine is the only effective drug that kills adult heartworms. It is administered intramuscularly, and the protocol is usually two to three injections. While very effective, it is a potent drug and should only be administered by a veterinarian. Absolute activity restriction is required for several weeks after melarsomine.
How long does heartworm treatment take in dogs?
The complete treatment process usually takes 2–4 months . This process:
Pre-treatment (doxycycline, monthly preventive)
Melarsomine injections
Activity restriction
It progresses in a 6-month follow-up pattern. The duration of treatment varies depending on the stage of the disease in the dog.
How long does it take for untreated heartworm disease to become fatal?
The rate of disease progression varies depending on the dog and the parasite population. While some dogs may remain asymptomatic for years, in others, it can cause severe heart and lung damage within 6–12 months. Once Caval syndrome develops, the disease can be fatal within just a few days.
Why is exercise prohibited while treating my dog?
Exercise increases the movement of the killed parasites within the vessels and increases the risk of vascular occlusion. This can lead to pulmonary embolism. Most deaths from heartworm treatment occur in dogs whose exercise is not sufficiently restricted. Therefore, the most important rule during treatment is absolute rest.
Is heartworm disease contagious to humans?
It can be transmitted to humans, but this is very rare. Larvae transmitted to humans by mosquitoes often fail to develop in the body. However, in rare cases, lung nodules can occur. Therefore, it's more important to protect the dog's health and that of other dogs than to protect human health.
Is there a heartworm vaccine for dogs?
No, there's no vaccine for heartworms. Protection is provided entirely through monthly preventive medication. These medications kill the larvae and prevent them from developing into adults. As long as you use heartworm preventatives regularly, the risk of contracting the disease is virtually zero.
Are heartworms also seen in cats?
Yes, but because cats are not natural hosts, the parasite multiplies much less frequently in cats. However, heartworm disease in cats can be more severe and much more difficult to treat than in dogs. Therefore, prevention is even more critical in cats.
Why might antigen testing for heartworm disease in dogs not always be accurate?
Antigen tests detect only proteins produced by adult female heartworms. Therefore:
If there is a male parasite
If the parasite count is low
If the infection is very early, the test may be false-negative. This is why many veterinarians use both antigen and microfilariae testing together.
If my dog is a puppy, should it be tested for heartworms?
Yes, but testing is not recommended before 6–7 months of age. This is because it takes at least 6 months after an infected mosquito bite for larvae to become detectable with testing. However, preventive treatment can be started earlier for puppies.
Can dogs get reinfected after heartworm treatment?
Yes. Treatment removes the parasites but does not provide immunity. If the dog is bitten by a mosquito again in the future, it can become reinfected. Therefore, monthly preventative medication must be used for life.
Why has my dog with heartworm disease lost his appetite?
The damage caused by parasites to the cardiovascular system affects oxygen transport and overall metabolism. This can lead to loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss. Additionally, some medications used in treatment can cause short-term appetite loss.
Can heartworm disease cause fluid buildup in the abdomen?
Yes. When pressure on the right side of the heart increases, blood circulation is disrupted and fluid (ascites) begins to accumulate in the abdomen. This is a sign of advanced heart failure and requires immediate attention.
Why are follow-up tests important after heartworm treatment?
A test performed approximately six months after melarsomine treatment will determine whether the parasites have been completely cleared. Even after treatment is completed, small amounts of remaining parasites may persist. Therefore, follow-up testing is crucial.
What can I do to prevent heartworm disease at home?
Not skipping monthly preventive medications
Reducing mosquito populations
Eliminate puddles
Avoiding long walks in the evening and early morning
Practices such as taking additional precautions during the summer months are quite effective.
Why does heartworm disease in dogs increase in the summer months?
This is because mosquito populations peak during the summer months. Warm weather accelerates the development of mosquito larvae. This dramatically increases the risk of infection, especially on summer evenings.
What causes shortness of breath in dogs with heartworm disease?
Parasitic blockage of the lung vessels and inflammation of the lung tissue make breathing difficult. Many dogs breathe rapidly and shallowly, and even with light activity, they experience shortness of breath.
What is caval syndrome in dogs?
Caval syndrome is the accumulation of parasites in such a dense mass that they extend to the right atrium of the heart. Symptoms:
sudden collapse
shock
brown-red urine
Heavy breathing: This condition requires immediate surgery and, if left untreated, has a mortality rate of nearly 100%.
Can heartworm disease in dogs be completely cured?
In cases diagnosed early, the recovery rate is very high. However, in advanced cases, permanent lung or heart damage may occur. Quality of life after treatment is generally good, but regular checkups and preventive treatment must continue throughout life.
How safe are heartworm preventative medications?
Modern preventive medications are quite safe and have a very low incidence of side effects. Side effects are generally limited to mild digestive upset. The greatest risk is neglecting preventive medications, as if not used regularly, your dog could become infected.
Sources
American Heartworm Society (AHS)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH)
Mersin VetLife Veterinary Clinic – Open on Map: https://share.google/XPP6L1V6c1EnGP3Oc
Comments