Every canine owner needs to know the specifics about heartworm symptoms in dogs. This disease is extremely common, with an incidence rate as high as 45% in some places; owners everywhere need to be on the lookout for the first signs of these terrible parasites.
Unfortunately, diagnosing this condition is difficult and cannot be done by symptoms alone – keep reading to find out why!
Heartworm Signs and Symptoms
Here is the major problem with trying to diagnose signs of heartworm in dogs at home: for the first six months of the parasite’s development, they will be too small to show up on tests, present symptoms, or do much damage.
After these six months, the worms reach maturity and begin thriving in the muscles of the chest, pulmonary artery, and right ventricle of the heart. At this point, the heartworm symptoms in dogs will begin to appear – starting with tiredness, shortness of breath, or a light cough.
Advanced heartworm symptoms may include fainting, dramatic weight loss, seizures, jaundice, pronounced ribs, and sudden death.
Unfortunately, even mature worms may not cause any dog heartworm symptoms if the infestation is light enough. However, even a light infestation will cause permanent damage and can still prove to be deadly since each parasite has a lifespan of 5-7 years and can grow up to a foot long. This is why every owner should test for heartworms as soon as possible – all it takes is a series of simple blood tests. All it takes is a mosquito to pick up this infection and transfer it to another pet; prompt heartworm treatment is extremely important.
These parasites may be somewhat terrifying, but do not be afraid to seek aggressive treatment. You and your vet can eliminate this disease over the course of a few months to a year with persistence and knowledge.
With early detection the survival rate of canines suffering with heartworm is 95% or greater – keep an eye out for heartworm symptoms in dogs in the meantime, and keep your companion adequately and persistently protected.
