Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects dogs. It is caused by a parasitic worm that is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworms can live for up to seven years in a dog’s body, and they can cause a variety of health problems, including:

• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty breathing
• Sudden death

There is no cure for heartworm disease, but it can be treated with a combination of medication and supportive care. Treatment can be expensive and time-consuming, but it can save your dog’s life.
The best way to protect your dog from heartworm disease is to prevent them from being bitten by mosquitoes, and to give your dog a monthly heartworm preventive medication.

Heartworm disease is a serious threat and can be fatal if it is not treated, but it is preventable.

Treatment for Heartworm Disease in Dogs

There is no cure for heartworm disease, but it can be treated with a combination of medication and supportive care. The goal of treatment is to kill the adult heartworms and prevent the development of new heartworms.
The first step in treating heartworm disease is to stabilize your dog’s condition. This may involve hospitalization and treatment for any secondary illnesses, such as anemia or heart failure. Once your dog is stable, they will be started on a course of medication to kill the adult heartworms. This medication is typically given over a period of several months. In rare cases, surgery will be required to remove the worms.

In addition to medication, your dog will also need supportive care during treatment. This may include:

• Fluid therapy
• Oxygen therapy
• Nutritional support
• Pain management

Treatment for heartworm disease can be expensive and time-consuming, but it can save your dog’s life. 

Heartworm preventive medications are available in a variety of forms, including chewables, topical treatments, and injections. Talk to us about the best option for your dog.