Dogs and Heartworms

Dogs and Heartworms: What to do when your dog has heartworms

If your dog has heartworms then he more than likely received it from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes in most any part of the country carry these heartworms, particularly on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. If your dog is not protected by preventative medication, then the chances are likely that the heartworm will be passed onto your dog from even a single mosquito bite.

As the name describes, these little worms live in the heart of its host, literally. The dangers they cause to the animal range with negative effects. Shortness of breath is typically the first sign of the dog having heartworms. You will also notice coughing, rapid breathing, and weight loss. Although rare, death can also be the end result of an infestation of heartworms. Although other animals can also contract heartworms, they are more prevalent with dogs.

Unfortunately there is no possible way to keep your dog from being bitten by mosquito, the only thing that you can do is take preventative measures. The best thing to do is contact the vet before making any decision as to what medication you will order for your dog. In the meantime, we have some useful tidbits of information below:

1. Don't wait until your dog has a problem before you prescribe him the medication. All veterinarians advise that all animals get these shots because even though they may be bitten by an infected mosquito, their blood stream will fight it off from the medicine. The medication comes in two types in which one pill is formulated to be given daily, the other to be given monthly.

Those that live in colder areas may only have to give the pill to their dogs during mosquito season, but many vets like to play it safe and prescribe the pills all year, says Paul Schmitz, D.V.M., a veterinarian whom owns a private practice in Joliet, Illinois.

2. Do not avoid having your dog medicated just because you are confident that he does not go outside much and will not be infected with heartworms, or so you believe. Remember, all it takes is one mosquito to get in and pass along this worm.

3. Be sure to get a blood test before asking for the heartworm medication. The reason why you should have your dog tested first is because it could be dangerous to administer heartworm medication to a dog that is already infected. For any further questions on this matter, please consult your local veterinarian.