There used to be a time when vets only worried about heartworms if pets lived in certain areas of the United States. Now all 50 states report cases of heartworms every year. Because it is so widespread, vigilant prevention is key.
Both dogs and cats can get heartworms, but the heartworm will only go through its lifecycle in the dog. Infected mosquitoes transmit the heartworms once they are in the infectious stage. Wild animals like coyotes can also carry heartworms, which mosquitoes then transmit to pets. Most animals show no symptoms at all in the early stages.
Even pet owners who are diligent and give regular preventative medication should be on the lookout for heartworm symptoms. Many owners do not realize the danger of accidentally miss giving a dose to their pets. These are some of the symptoms that veterinarians recommend owners watch for.
Persistent Coughing
Otherwise, healthy pups that develop a mild but persistent cough should see a veterinarian for a checkup. While pets can cough occasionally because of dust, a regular cough is not normal. Heartworms do not only move to the heart. They can also collect in the lungs. They can grow up to 12 inches long, and as they crowd the lungs, the cough develops. They will also crowd into the heart and, over time, can cause significant blockage.
One Tired Pup
As the dog’s heart and lungs become more and more crowded with heartworms, they show increasing signs of fatigue. Young dogs may begin to slow down and will get winded when trying to play and exercise.
As the disease progresses further, the fatigue will worsen. Dogs can even pass out as the heartworms block lung airways and blood flow in the heart. When heartworms are not treated and the symptoms progress, they can cause permanent damage even after successful treatment.
Decreased Appetite and Weight
It takes six to seven months for heartworms to grow to maturity. If they mature inside a dog, they then reproduce and clog the heart and lungs. Adult heartworms can live between five and seven years. As more and more adult heartworms reproduce and symptoms progress, the dog’s appetite decreases. Many dogs lose weight even when they are less able to exercise.
If they are still not treated, their bellies may begin to look swollen. This swelling is due to excess fluid.
The Most Serious Signs
Caval syndrome is when sudden blood flow blockages of the heart develop. Pet owners should seek help from a vet right away. The symptoms of caval syndrome are:
Pale gums
Dark or brown urine
Difficulty breathing
The chance of exposure to heartworms is never zero. The best way to treat heartworms is to prevent them from happening because once a pet owner notices symptoms, there may already be damage.
Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, Alabama, can screen your pet for heartworms and help you establish either preventative care or treatment.
Learn more about signs & symptoms of heartworms, contact Madison Animal Care Hospital in Madison, AL at (256) 461-7575 to schedule an appointment.
